Belden

The name Belden is a surname of English origin. It derives from the Old English words "bieldan" meaning "to protect" and "denu" meaning "valley". This suggests that individuals with the surname Belden may have originally resided in or near a protective valley. The name Belden can also be found in variations such as Bolden, Boulden, Belding, and Belton. The earliest documented record of the surname Belden dates back to the 13th century in the county of Yorkshire, England.

Over time, people with the surname Belden migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States. The Belden family played a significant role in American history and had a notable presence in Connecticut. They were early settlers in the town of Wethersfield, which was one of the first settlements in the state. Some prominent individuals with the surname Belden include Henry Belden, who was a pioneer land surveyor in the late 18th century, and Levi Belden, who was a senator and judge in the mid-19th century.

Today, the name Belden is relatively rare but still exists as both a surname and a given name. It is sometimes used as a first name for boys, and it has a strong and masculine sound. Belden is also the name of a well-known American company called Belden Inc., which specializes in the manufacturing of networking and connectivity solutions. This company has been in operation since the early 20th century and has a global presence.