Friedans

Friedans is a surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is relatively uncommon and is typically encountered in its variant form Friedan, with related surnames such as Friedman and Friedmann appearing in similar family lines. The name likely arose in German-speaking regions and spread through immigration and transliteration practices, leading to several closely related spellings.

The most widely known bearer of the related root name is Betty Friedan (1921–2006), an American feminist writer and activist. Her book The Feminine Mystique (1963) helped spark the second wave of feminism in the United States, and she co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. Friedan’s work concentrated on gender roles, labor, and women’s rights, making the surname associated with the broader history of feminist thought in the 20th century.

In general usage, Friedans does not denote a distinct concept or entity beyond a family name. It is primarily encountered as a surname carried by individuals and families, rather than as a proper noun describing a separate topic. Because the form Friedans is less common than Friedan, many references to people with this name use the singular variant.

See also Friedman, Friedmann, and Friedan for related spellings and genealogical connections. These surnames share historical roots in German-speaking areas and are common in Ashkenazi Jewish communities.