OLNEY
Olney
Olney is a surname of English origin with roots dating back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Wilgifu", which was a compound of the elements "wil", meaning "will" or "desire", and "gifu", meaning "gift".
The Olney surname is chiefly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in the historic counties of Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire. The village of Olney in Buckinghamshire is known for its rich history and cultural significance, adding further prominence to the surname.
Individuals bearing the surname Olney have made notable contributions to various fields, including literature, music, and politics. John Newton, the Anglican clergyman and hymn writer best known for composing "Amazing Grace", was a prominent figure with the Olney surname.
The Olney surname continues to be passed down through generations, reflecting a proud heritage and a connection to the history of England. Today, individuals with the surname Olney can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, contributing to diverse professions and pursuits.
There are approximately 1,006 people named Olney in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,347th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Olney.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Jean
- Josephina
- Karen
- Kathleen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Pearl
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan