SOULSBY
Soulsby
Overview: Soulsby is an English surname of locational origin, deriving from the place named "Soulsby" or "Soulby" in Cumbria, in the north of England. The name is believed to have been derived from Old Norse, indicating a settlement by a water source. The surname Soulsby is recorded in various spellings, including Soulby, Saulsby, and Sowlesby.
History: The first documented record of the Soulsby surname dates back to the end of the 12th century when one Roger de Suleby was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire in 1191. Through the centuries, the surname Soulsby has been recorded in various regions of England, but particularly in the northern counties of Cumberland (now Cumbria) and Northumberland. The agricultural and industrial developments in these regions contributed to the spread of the surname.
Notable Individuals:
- Professor John Soulsby (1927-2017): A distinguished British biologist who made significant contributions to the field of parasitology.
- Benjamin Soulsby (b. 1985): An English footballer who played as a defender for various clubs in the Football League.
Genealogy: The Soulsby surname has branched out into various family lines over time. Genealogical records and DNA testing have provided insights into the migration patterns and relationships between different Soulsby families. Many individuals with the surname Soulsby today can trace their ancestry back to the historical bearers of the name in England.
Popularity: The Soulsby surname remains relatively uncommon in comparison to other English surnames. However, it retains a sense of heritage and regional association with Cumbria and Northumberland, where its origins lie. The name continues to hold significance for those with ancestral connections to the Soulsby family.
References:
- P.H. Reaney, "A Dictionary of English Surnames," Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Soulsby Family History: Ancestry.com.
This entry provides an overview of the British surname Soulsby, encompassing its origin, history, notable individuals, genealogy, and current relevance.
There are approximately 1,710 people named Soulsby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,798th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Soulsby.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Barry
- Brian
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Alison
- Anne
- Claire
- Dawn
- Doreen
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah