Canterbury

Canterbury is a British surname with origins that can be traced back to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury in Kent, England. The name draws its roots from Old English, with "Cantwaraburh" being an early variation, meaning "fortress of the Cantwaras".

Families bearing the surname Canterbury are believed to have historical ties to the city of Canterbury or its surrounding areas. Over the centuries, the surname has likely spread beyond Kent to various parts of the United Kingdom and the world.

Individuals with the surname Canterbury may have diverse ancestral connections and family histories, contributing to the rich tapestry of British heritage. As with many surnames, variations in spelling and pronunciation may exist due to factors such as regional accents, dialects, and historical changes in language.

The surname Canterbury can carry with it a sense of pride in one's English heritage and a connection to the historic city that holds significance in religious, cultural, and political realms. Today, individuals with the surname Canterbury can be found across the globe, reflecting the far-reaching impact of British history and migration patterns.

There are approximately 184 people named Canterbury in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Canterbury.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Barrie
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stuart
  • Thomas

Female

  • Adele
  • Amanda
  • Ann
  • Clare
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Pamela
  • Patricia
  • Rachel
  • Sarah
  • Tina

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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