The last name Golden primarily has two possible origins and meanings, depending on the family's background: English and Irish.
English Origin:
- Descriptive Nickname: The most common origin is from Middle English golden, meaning "made of gold" or "golden in color." This was typically a nickname given to someone with golden-blond hair. The word itself derives from Old English gylden.
Irish Origin:
- Anglicized Gaelic Name: Golden can also be a shortened, Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mag Ualghairg. This Gaelic name is now more commonly known in its Anglicized form as McGoldrick. So, if your family has Irish roots, Golden could be a shortened version of McGoldrick.
In summary, the surname Golden likely originated as a nickname describing someone with golden hair or as an Anglicized version of an Irish Gaelic name.
