This distinguished name is of early medieval Scottish origin, and is a locational surname deriving from the old barony of Aikenhead in Lanarkshire. The place is so called from the ownership of the lands by someone named "Aiken" or "Aitken"; this personal name is a peculiarly Scottish diminutive form of the male given name "Adam", itself from the Hebrew "Adam", of uncertain etymology; it is often said to be from the Hebrew "adama", earth. The second element of the placename is derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century "heafod", in Middle English "heved, heued", head, used topographically for a hill or the head of a stream or valley.
In 1372, King Robert 11 (1371 - 1390) confirmed the lands of "Akynheuide" in the Sheriffdom of Lanark to one John de Maxwell, and in the same year, Convallus de Akinhead witnessed a land grant. William de Akinhede was a notary public in Irvine in 1444. The modern surname forms are usually Aikenhead and Aitkenhead, and are found principally in Lanarkshire. Examples from that county's Church Registers include: the marriage of Janet Aitkenhead and William Auld in Glasgow, on January 14th 1669, and the marriage of David Aitkenhead and Mary Campbell on June 9th 1712, in Rutherglen. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gilbert de (L)akenheued, which was dated 1296, rendered homage (Documents relating to Scotland in the Public Record Office), during the reign of Interregnum in Scotland, 1296 - 1306 - King Edward 1 of England, 1272 - 1307. 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.
We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname akenhead, and in addition to the original locations of akenhead, we can find out where people with the surname akenhead can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of akenhead.
The mobility of people carrying the surname akenhead has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname akenhead 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. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname akenhead.
Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname akenhead or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of akenhead.
A surname like akenhead 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. If you or someone you know bears the surname akenhead, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname akenhead, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of akenhead.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of akenhead, and at the same time, of surnames in general.