Torney

Torney is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "torn(e)y", meaning a watchtower or possibly a place name. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in the county of Norfolk.

Distribution

The surname Torney is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Ireland. The highest concentration of individuals with the surname Torney can be found in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lancashire.

Notable Individuals

  • John Torney (1791-1869) - A prominent landowner and philanthropist known for his contributions to educational and charitable causes in Norfolk.
  • Sarah Torney (b. 1985) - An acclaimed novelist whose works often explore themes of identity and belonging in contemporary British society.

Variants

Variants of the surname Torney include Torny, Torrney, and Tourny.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 105 people named Torney in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Torney.

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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