Hordern

Hordern is a surname of English origin. It is believed to be a habitational name, deriving from a place called Hordern in the parish of Biddulph, Staffordshire. Alternatively, it may be a topographic name for someone who lived near a 'hard enclosure' or 'enclosed pasture'. The name likely arose from the Old English words 'heard' meaning hard or difficult and 'darian' meaning to enclose or protect, or 'geard' meaning an enclosure or yard.

Notable individuals with the surname Hordern include Sir Reginald Hordern, a prominent Australian businessman and politician, and Sir Michael Hordern, a distinguished English actor of stage and screen. The Hordern family has a long history, with records indicating its presence in England for centuries. Over time, individuals bearing the Hordern surname have dispersed globally, contributing to various fields and communities. The name's prevalence varies by region, with concentrations historically found in areas of England and later in countries with significant British migration, such as Australia and Canada.