Hampden

Hampden is a place name used in several countries and for various institutions. The name originates from Hampden in Buckinghamshire, England, and from the English surname Hampden, most famously associated with the 17th‑century statesman John Hampden. Over time, Hampden has been adopted for towns, counties, stadiums, and schools.

In the United States, Hampden refers to Hampden, Massachusetts, a town in Hampden County, and to Hampden County itself. It also denotes Hampden, Maine, a town in Penobscot County. In Scotland, Hampden Park is the national football stadium located in Glasgow, used for international matches and other events.

Educational institutions bearing the name include Hampden-Sydney College, a private liberal arts college in Hampden-Sydney, Virginia. The name also appears in various neighborhoods, streets, and other localities, reflecting the broader historical and cultural ties of the Hampden name.

Historically, Hampden has been used as a surname and as a given name, and it is associated with figures such as John Hampden, who played a notable role in English political history. Today, Hampden remains a toponym and a cultural reference found in different regions, often linked to the legacy of English place names and families.