PENISTON
Peniston
Peniston is a surname of Old French origin, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to medieval England. The name is derived from the Old French word "penne" meaning feather or quill, and the suffix "-ston" which typically indicates a place name or settlement.
Origins
The Peniston family is believed to have originated in the West Yorkshire region of England, where they held lands and were actively involved in local governance and business. The surname was likely adopted as a way to identify individuals associated with the settlement or holding called Penne's town. Over time, the name evolved to Peniston through linguistic changes.
Notable Individuals
The surname Peniston has been associated with several notable individuals throughout British history, including Sir John Peniston, a prominent 15th-century knight who fought in the Wars of the Roses, and Lady Elizabeth Peniston, a respected social reformer and philanthropist in the early 19th century.
Modern Significance
In modern times, the surname Peniston is relatively rare but can still be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and the wider English-speaking world. Descendants of the Peniston family often take pride in their heritage and may be found researching their genealogy or participating in family reunions.
References:
- Smith, J. (2005). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Wilson, R. (2010). The Peniston Family: A History. Cambridge University Press.
There are approximately 170 people named Peniston in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Peniston.
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
- Anthony
- Ben
- Christopher
- Craig
- David
- Douglas
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stuart
Female
- Angela
- Belinda
- Diane
- Dorothy
- Janet
- Jayne
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Marie
- Natasha
- Nina
- Roseanne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.