PENNEY
Penney
Penney is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Penny", a diminutive of the name Pen or Penne. The name Pen is of Old English or Welsh origin, meaning "head" or "top", while Penne refers to "hill" or "top of the hill".
Origins
The surname Penney is believed to have originated from various locations across the British Isles, including England, Scotland, and Wales. It can be traced back to early medieval times, with records dating as far back as the 13th century. The Penney name has evolved over the centuries, with variations such as Pennie, Pennye, and Penny being commonly found.
Distribution
The Penney surname is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset in England, as well as parts of Wales and Scotland. Migration and emigration have also spread the name to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
- William Penney (1909–1991): a British nuclear physicist who played a key role in Britain's early atomic weapons program.
- Lisa Penney: fictional character in the British TV series EastEnders.
In Popular Culture
The Penney surname has been featured in various works of literature and entertainment, helping to maintain its cultural significance. Whether as a character name in a novel or a reference in a film or TV show, the Penney surname continues to be recognised and celebrated.
References
Overall, the Penney surname carries with it a rich history and heritage, reflecting the diverse origins and experiences of individuals who bear this name.
There are approximately 3,638 people named Penney in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,538th most common surname in Britain. Around 56 in a million people in Britain are named Penney.
Surname type: Nickname
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Claire
- Elaine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Marie
- Mary
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.