THORNBURY
Thornbury
Thornbury is a prominent British surname with origins rooted deeply in English history. The surname is of habitational origin, derived from the name of the town of Thornbury in Gloucestershire, England. The town itself derives its name from the Old English words "thorn," meaning a thorn bush or hedge, and "burh," meaning a fortified settlement.
The first recorded instance of the Thornbury surname dates back to the early 14th century, with individuals bearing this surname found across various regions of England over the centuries. The name Thornbury may have been adopted by families who originally hailed from the town of Thornbury or by those who resided near thorn bushes or hedgerows.
Throughout history, individuals with the Thornbury surname have been associated with a diverse range of occupations and pursuits, reflecting the varied paths taken by different branches of the family. Some have been noted for their contributions to the fields of literature, art, or science, while others have excelled in military or political spheres.
Today, the Thornbury surname continues to be borne by families in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient and distinguished name.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 231 people named Thornbury in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Thornbury.
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
- Anthony
- Cliff
- David
- Edward
- Jason
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Angela
- Caroline
- Debra
- Dorothy
- Eileen
- Emma
- Ethel
- Jeanette
- Louise
- Margaret
- Maria
- Mary
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.