Surname Warren - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Personal Identity and Heritage through iGENEA DNA Test: A Focus on the Surname Warren

The DNA test carried out through iGENEA has significantly enhanced my understanding of who I am and where I come from, changing the way I view my own personal identity and heritage, particularly in relation to my surname, Warren.

H. Warren

Warren: What does the surname Warren mean?

The surname Warren is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from an occupational or topographical name. In the occupational sense, it was originally given to someone who was a gamekeeper or animal breeder. The name is derived from the Norman French term 'warrene,' which means a warren or a piece of land used for breeding game. This term was commonly used in medieval times. In a topographical sense, it was used to denote someone living by such a game preserve. Over time, it has been adapted into various spellings such as Waren, Warran, and Warron. Notable people with the last name Warren include the famous American politician and lawyer, Elizabeth Warren, and the celebrated American author, Robert Penn Warren.

Warren: Where does the name Warren come from?

The surname Warren is most commonly found in the United States and Ireland today. It originated in England. In the US, it ranks as the 114th most common surname, and is most frequently found in the states of Vermont, Alaska, Maine, Oregon, and New Jersey.

The Warren surname has been one of England’s most distinguished families for centuries, and is believed to have arrived from France. They were given large estates by William the Conqueror in 1090. In the 18th century many of the Warrens moved to Ireland, and from there to America in the 1800s.

Today, the surname Warren is a common last name, especially in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, over 24,000 babies born in America from 2010 to 2018 were given the last name Warren. Additionally, many famous people have taken on this last name, including Disney actor Zachary Gordon, Australian politician John Warren, professional boxer Timothy Bradley Jr., and modern painter Jamie Warren.

In conclusion, the last name Warren is a common name today, and is especially popular in the United States and Ireland. This surname has been around for centuries and is associated with many famous people.

Variations of the surname Warren

Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Warren include Warrane, Warran, Warriner, Warrin, Warrine, Warrinton, Warrington, Waren, Warring, Warin, Waring, Warinck, Warinagh, Wearen and Warrenne.

The surname Warren may have a variety of origins and meanings; some sources suggest it may be derived from the Old French, meaning ‘guard’; others suggest it could represent an Anglicized form of the Norman personal name Warenne, a local name from the Warenne family, which took its name from the barony of Varenne in Normandy.

Another suggestion for its origin may be the Old French Warrenne; this derived from the Germanic root warenodan (defend, guard) and gives us the English words ‘to guard’. The surname Warren is found in many parts of Europe and among different races.

In Ireland, the surname Whitney is an anglicized variant of native Gaelic names such as O Maoil Mhuire, which translates as ‘devotees of Mary’, and Mac an Bhaird, meaning ‘son of the Bard’. Similarly, the native Gaelic O Conaire surname was anglicized to Warren.

In Scotland, the surname Warren may also be derived from the personal name Warin, which is found in the form Warrane, an early form of Warren.

Among some British Jewish communities, the name Warenne was found, derived from a place name, so it may be a modern form of the surname Warin.

In conclusion, Warren is a surname with a multitude of origins, spellings and variants, which may also have been adopted by different races and communities throughout Europe over the centuries.

Famous people with the name Warren

• Elizabeth Warren: A United States Senator from Massachusetts and a progressive democrat, she ran for the 2020 presidential election, gaining a notable following.
• Warren Buffett: A renowned investor and the 4th wealthiest person in the world. He is known for his conservative investing, donating-livestyle and philanthropic initiatives.
• Warren Beatty: A legendary actor, director and producer. He was nominated for 15 Academy Awards and has won 1 Oscar for his work on the film Reds.
• Melville Warren: A Native American half-white hero who was renowned for his bravery in battle and his reluctant leadership which was instrumental in a number of victories against the British.
• Robert Warren: An American Industrialist who was a major force in the oil industry. He created several influential and profitable oil companies and was the first chairman of the Union Petroleum Company of California.
• Joseph Warren: A revolutionary leader and American politician. He was a key figure in the early days of the U.S. and wrote the Resolution of Independence, which began the American Revolution.
• Graeme Warren: A British actor who appeared in Eastenders, Casualty and Paul Abbott's The Accidental County.
• Bruce Warren: An American TV journalist, Warren was the long-running anchor of "Good Morning America" until 1999.
• Alison Warren: An English fashion icon in the 19th century, she is well-known for her popular velvet dresses and intricate needlework designs.
• Virgil Warren: An American lawyer and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. He also served as a legal advisor to President George W. Bush.

Other surnames

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