Origins of the Gordon surname

What does the name Gordon mean?

Gordon is a Scottish and English surname. It has a number of origins. It may refer to locations named Gordon in Berwickshire, Scotland and Normandy and be a name given to their denizens. Sometimes it was used as a Romany name for those folk in the border between England and Scotland who feared persecution and chose to blend in for protection, assuming this name.

Alternative variations of the name Gordon

Gordon, Gordone, Gordun, Gorton, Gerdon

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Delve deeper into the Gordon family's history

OrkneyShetlandHighlandsWestern IslesGrampianTaysideCentralStrathclydeFifeLothianBordersDumfriesNorth East 942North West 473Isle of Man 31Yorkshire 734East Midlands 150West Midlands 358East 535London 2739South East 1060South West 354South Wales 106Mid Wales 9West Wales 4North Wales 34Republic of IrelandNorthern Ireland

In 1921, most Gordons lived in london

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Interesting facts about Gordon

How common is your surname?

197th most common surname in the UK

We have for the Gordon surname. The oldest one dates back to 1100.

Who were Gordons most likely to marry?

Our tell us which families married Gordons.

What are the most common Gordon first names?

John

James

Mary

Margaret

Our tell us the names of Gordon family members
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Census records provide incredible detail on names, ages, marital statuses, occupations and more.

Common jobs for Gordons

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Commmon female occupations for Gordons in 1921

Dressmaker

787

Domestic Servant

748

Living On Own Means

457

Annuitant

454

Housekeeper

449

Commmon male occupations for Gordons in 1921

Farmer

773

Tailor

715

Coal Miner

666

Farm Servant

601

General Labourer

566

We found over 230,000 family trees with the Gordon surname

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