Newburn

Newburn is a surname of English origin, primarily found in the United Kingdom. The name is locational, deriving from the Old English words "niwe," meaning new, and "burna," meaning stream. This suggests that the name was given to individuals who lived near a new stream or waterway.

Origins

The earliest recorded instance of the Newburn surname dates back to the 13th century in Northumberland, England. The village of Newburn in Tyne and Wear, located on the banks of the River Tyne, is a probable place of origin for the name. The prominent presence of the name in this region suggests a connection to the locality.

Distribution and Variants

Over time, the surname Newburn has spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, with concentrations in areas such as Northumberland, Yorkshire, and London. Variants of the name may include Newbourne, Newbern, and Newbourn.

Notable Bearers

  • John Newburn: An English cricketer who played for the North of England.
  • Catherine Newburn: A scholar renowned for her research in the field of medieval history.

Modern Significance

Today, individuals bearing the surname Newburn can be found across various professions and regions. Many descendants of the Newburn family have made notable contributions to fields including sports, academia, and the arts. The name continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a link to the heritage and history of the British Isles.

There are approximately 211 people named Newburn in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Newburn.

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

  • Christopher
  • David
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • Jamie
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Scott
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Jennifer
  • Kathryn
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Lynette
  • Natalie
  • Pamela
  • Roslyn
  • Sarah
  • 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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