Overbury

Overview

Overbury is an English surname of locational origin, derived from the villages of Overbury in Worcestershire and Derbyshire. The name translates to "the fortified place above the burh" in Old English. The surname's historic roots can be traced back to medieval England, suggesting a longstanding presence in British history.

History

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Overbury dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where a mention of the village of Overbury in Worcestershire is found. Over the centuries, the surname has gradually spread across different regions in England, with bearers of the name establishing themselves in various professions and walks of life.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals bearing the surname Overbury include Sir Thomas Overbury (1581–1613), an English poet and essayist. His mysterious death in the Tower of London in 1613 added to the intrigue surrounding his life and legacy. Additionally, the Overbury family has produced prominent figures in academia, business, and the arts, contributing significantly to British society.

Present Day

In contemporary times, the surname Overbury continues to be relatively uncommon but maintains a presence in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond. Descendants of the Overbury lineage often take pride in their family history, which is interwoven with the fabric of British heritage.

There are approximately 248 people named Overbury in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Overbury.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Gary
  • George
  • Irvine
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Murray
  • Paul
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Amy
  • Barbara
  • Claire
  • Doreen
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.