Surname Clendening - Meaning and Origin
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Clendening: What does the surname Clendening mean?
The last name Clendening is of Scottish origin and its exact meaning is not fully clear as its roots trace back several centuries to Scotland and Northern Ireland where the name was fairly common. The specific meaning of this surname has been lost over time, partly due to the lack of written records and evolution of language. It's important to note that many Scottish surnames were derived from Gaelic personal names and were often influenced by geographical locations, occupations, or patronyms, i.e. derived from the father’s name. Like many ancient last names, Clendening could have potentially represented a clan name, topographic feature, occupation or a personal characteristic. While researching specific meanings, it's helpful to explore historical, societal and linguistic contexts. It's also noteworthy that several variations of the surname Clendening exist, and these variations can potentially provide additional clues to the original meaning or context of the name.
Order DNA origin analysisClendening: Where does the name Clendening come from?
The surname Clendening is of Scottish origin. Specifically, it is believed to be derived from a place in Roxburghshire, Scotland, known as Glendonyn. The name means "glen of the little fort" in Gaelic. The Clendenning clan was connected to the Scottish borders, which was a region near the border between Scotland and England.
However, over the centuries, many Scottish families emigrated to other parts of the world due to economic hardships and political conflicts. Therefore, like many other Scottish surnames, Clendening spread to various parts of the globe.
Today, the Clendening surname is not particularly common anywhere, but it can be found in several English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. In the United States, it is most common in states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, typically places where Scottish immigrants landed and settled during the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, there may still be some Clendenning families in Scotland, although the name has become significantly less common there over time.
Variations of the surname Clendening
The surname Clendening primarily originates from Scotland and is considered a variant of McLending, a name from the Gaelic MacFhloinn, meaning "the son of Flann." However, it appears that it has undergone many transformations and adaptations throughout centuries and different cultures. Some of these variants include Clendenin, Clendennin, Clendenning, Clendennan, Clindenning, Clindening, Clendennen, and Clendonin.
Different spelling versions of Clendening can occur due to errors in transcription, different dialects, and pronunciation in various regions. It's also likely that some versions of the name evolved separately in different parts of Scotland and Ireland. It's also important to note that officers who made the official records usually wrote how they heard the name pronounced which led to the many spelling variations. Some spelling variants of this Scottish surname might include Clendenon, Clendennon, Clendenan, and Clendenen.
The roots of this name being patronymic show that changes over time can be linked to families adopting, dropping, or adjusting the 'Mac' or 'Mc' prefix. However, it's always essential to conduct individual genealogical research to establish a clear lineage when dealing with the variations of the surname Clendening.
Famous people with the name Clendening
- Adam Clendening: A well-known professional ice hockey player, Adam Clendening has played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Columbus Blue Jackets amongst others.
- Logan Clendening: An important figure in the field of medical history, Logan Clendening was a medical doctor and author. His book "The Human Body" was a best-seller in the 1920s and he regularly contributed to medical journals and magazines.
- Eric Clendening: A rising star in the world of Blues music, Eric Clendening is gaining recognition for his soulful voice and blues guitar skills. These are the most notable individuals named Clendening. Please note popularity can be highly region and field-specific, so these people might not be universally known.