PENGELLY
Pengelly
Pengelly is a surname of Cornish origin, its roots tracing back to the South West of England. The name is derived from the Cornish word "peng" which means head or end, and "kelli" which means grove. Thus, Pengelly likely refers to someone who lived by a headland or at the end of a grove.
Origins
The surname Pengelly is predominantly found in Cornwall and Devon, reflecting its Celtic and Anglo-Saxon heritage. It is believed to have first appeared as a surname in the early medieval period when individuals began adopting surnames for hereditary identification.
Notable Individuals
- William Pengelly (1812-1894): A British geologist and archaeologist, known for his significant contributions to the field of prehistoric studies. He conducted extensive excavations in caves and settlements across Devon and Cornwall.
- Ellen Pengelly (1856-1939): A pioneering British suffragette who fought for women's rights and was actively involved in the campaign for female suffrage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Modern Distribution
While the surname Pengelly is not as common as some other surnames, it still maintains a presence in regions with historical ties to the South West of England. Due to emigration and migration patterns, individuals with the surname can also be found in other parts of the UK and even overseas.
Cultural Significance
Pengelly, like many other British surnames, contributes to the rich tapestry of names that reflect the diverse history and heritage of the British Isles. It serves as a reminder of the ancestral connections to specific regions and the importance of family roots.
In conclusion, the surname Pengelly holds a special place in British onomastics, symbolising the ancestral links to Cornwall and Devon while also embodying the enduring legacy of notable individuals associated with the name.
There are approximately 2,157 people named Pengelly in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,940th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Pengelly.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Caroline
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Rachael
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan