POULTNEY
Poultney
Poultney is an old and distinguished British surname that can be traced back to Norman times. The surname is of locational origin, derived from the French word "poultier," meaning a gamekeeper or poulterer, hence "a gamekeeper's home." The surname's historical concentration has been in the English counties of Leicestershire and Rutland.
Origin and Meaning
The Poultney surname likely originated from the occupation of a gamekeeper or poulterer, someone who dealt with poultry or game birds. The Norman influence in Britain during the medieval period likely led to the adoption of this surname in England.
Early Records
One of the earliest recorded instances of the Poultney surname is of Geoffrey de Pulteney, who was a citizen of London in the late 12th century. The old English spelling variations include Pulteney, Pultney, and Poulteney.
Notable People
Notable individuals bearing the Poultney surname include Sir William Poultney, a London Lord Mayor in 1330.
Distribution
The distribution of the Poultney surname is primarily in the historic counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, as well as the city of London. Over time, the surname may have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond as families migrated.
In conclusion, the Poultney surname is a venerable British family name with a rich historical background. Its links to medieval occupations and its concentration in specific regions of England make it a fascinating subject for genealogical and historical research.
There are approximately 1,060 people named Poultney in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,057th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Poultney.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Andy
- David
- Douglas
- Edward
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kenneth
- Michael
- Neil
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Emma
- Helen
- Joanne
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sarah
- Susan