OUSBY
Ousby
Origin:
Ousby is a surname of English origin, derived from a village of the same name in Cumbria, North West England. The village of Ousby is situated near the Eden Valley, known for its picturesque countryside and historical significance.
Meaning:
The surname Ousby is believed to have originated from the Old Norse language, with "by" meaning farmstead or settlement and "Ous" possibly referring to a personal name or a distinguishing feature of the area.
Distribution:
The surname Ousby has been primarily concentrated in the counties of Cumbria and Yorkshire in England. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the name Ousby have spread beyond these regions, with some families establishing themselves in various parts of the United Kingdom and even overseas.
Notable Individuals:
- John Ousby (1816–1899): A prominent local politician and landowner in Cumbria, best known for his contributions to agricultural reforms.
- Rebecca Ousby (b. 1975): Notable British journalist and author, recognised for her investigative reporting on social issues.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Ousby may include Owsby, Ousband, and Osbie.
Coat of Arms:
The Ousby family does not have an official coat of arms recorded. However, those interested in heraldry may design or inherit a personal coat of arms specific to the Ousby surname.
References:
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & Dennis, R. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Pigot, J. (1830). Pigot’s National Commercial Directory for Cumberland, etc.: Ousby.
There are approximately 291 people named Ousby in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Ousby.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Ben
- Benedict
- Colin
- Craig
- David
- George
- Ian
- John
- Michael
- Mike
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Robert
- Russell
Female
- Caroline
- Christine
- Claire
- Gillian
- Jennifer
- Lauren
- Margaret
- Natalie
- Nicola
- Susan