This name is of locational origin either from the lands of Glen in the parish of Traquair, Peeblesshire, Scotland or from Glen in Leicestershire. The latter was first recorded as "aet Glenn" in "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle", dated 849, and as Glen in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name derives from the British "glenno", a valley. "British", in this instance, refers to the extinct Celtic language of the ancient Britons. The Scottish "Glen" is so called from the Old Gaelic "gleann", also meaning "valley".
The surname was first recorded in England in the early part of the 13th Century, (see below). One, Adam de Glen appears in "the Subsidy Rolls of Leicestershire", dated 1327. Colban del Glen who received a legacy left him by the queen was recorded in "The Exchequer Rolls of Scotland", (1328). The verses of the Scottish lyrical poet William Glen (1789 - 1826) include "Wae's me for Prince Charlie". The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gregory Glen, which was dated 1230, in the "Curia Rolls of Suffolk", during the reign of King Henry 111, known as "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname glen is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of glen. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname glen, and in addition to the original locations of glen, we can find out where people with the surname glen can currently be found.
It is common for surnames like glen to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The mobility of people carrying the surname glen has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname glen can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of glen. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname glen are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname glen, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname glen or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of glen.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all glens who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. A surname like glen can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname glen. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname glen, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of glen, and at the same time, of surnames in general.