Caldon

The surname Caldon has its origins in England, dating back to the 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "cald" meaning "cold" and "dun" meaning "hill" or "down." This suggests that the name likely referred to a location or settlement situated on a cold hill or elevated area.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Caldon can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Caldendune." This entry is thought to refer to the village of Caldon, located in Staffordshire, England, which may have been the original place from which the surname originated.

In the 13th century, the surname appeared in various forms, such as "Caldun," "Cauldun," and "Cawdun," reflecting the variations in spelling that were common during that time period. The earliest known bearer of the name was William de Caldon, who was mentioned in the Assize Rolls of Staffordshire in 1272.

Over the centuries, the Caldon surname has been associated with several notable individuals. One such person was Sir John Caldon (1460-1518), a wealthy merchant and politician who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1515. Another prominent figure was Richard Caldon (1575-1642), an English clergyman and poet who published several religious works during his lifetime.

In the 17th century, the name appeared in various historical records, including the Hearth Tax Returns of 1665, which listed several Caldon families residing in Staffordshire and neighboring counties. During this period, the surname was also found in the parish registers of Caldon village, where it was sometimes spelled as "Caldoun" or "Cauldon."

Another noteworthy individual bearing the Caldon surname was John Caldon (1679-1743), an English architect and surveyor who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Canonbury Tower and the Old Swan Tavern in Chelsea.

In the 18th century, the Caldon surname was further spread throughout England, with records indicating families residing in counties such as Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire. One prominent bearer of the name during this time was Thomas Caldon (1720-1798), a successful businessman and landowner in Staffordshire.

Throughout the 19th century, the Caldon surname continued to be prevalent in various regions of England, with notable individuals such as William Caldon (1817-1892), a renowned landscape painter, and James Caldon (1845-1924), a respected educator and headmaster of a prestigious school in London.