Newbery

Newbery is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval name 'Newbury', which itself signifies a person from the town of Newbury in Berkshire, England. The name is locational, denoting someone who either resided in Newbury or hailed from the town.

Origins

The name Newbery is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, during a period when surnames were beginning to be adopted in England. People started adopting surnames to distinguish between individuals sharing the same first name. The surname Newbery likely pertained to those who lived in or near Newbury, a market town in Berkshire located on the River Kennet.

Distribution

The surname Newbery is predominantly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in Berkshire and neighbouring areas. Over time, families with the surname Newbery have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals

  • John Newbery (1713–1767): Often referred to as the 'Father of Children's Literature', John Newbery was a British publisher and bookseller who revolutionised the production and distribution of children's books in the 18th century. He published works such as "A Little Pretty Pocket-Book", which is considered one of the first books specifically for children.

  • Linda Newbery (b. 1952): A contemporary British author known for her prolific output of young adult and children's books. Linda Newbery has won various awards for her novels, including the Costa Children's Book Award.

Heraldic Information

The Newbery family may have had their own coat of arms, each with its unique design, colours, and symbols. However, heraldry can vary widely between individuals and branches of a family, so there is no single coat of arms that represents all bearers of the Newbery surname.

In conclusion, the surname Newbery has a rich history rooted in the English landscape, and individuals bearing this name have made significant contributions to fields such as literature and beyond.

There are approximately 1,701 people named Newbery in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,821st most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Newbery.

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

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Alison
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Gemma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Laura
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Stella
  • Victoria

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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