Surname Hembree - Meaning and Origin
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Through the Lens of iGENEA DNA: The Hembree Lineage from Huguenot Refugees to American Settlers
My recent iGENEA DNA test has offered me an insightful journey into my ancestral roots. As I unearthed the origins of my Hembree surname, I discovered a tapestry of historical and cultural experiences that have shaped my lineage from Huguenot refugees to American settlers.
W. Hembree
read moreHembree: What does the surname Hembree mean?
The surname Hembree is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the ancient English village name "Hembury". It is a topographic surname, given originally to those who lived in or around areas of Hembury, a term that translates to 'high fortified place' or 'hen-borough'. Over time, this place-name eventually became a family surname. The earliest recorded instances of the Hembree surname date back to the 13th century in the Subsidy Rolls of Devonshire. Some descending family members later migrated to the United States, particularly during the era of European exploration and colonialism in the 17th century. The fundamental meaning of Hembree thus connects to geographic location, specifically relating to high or fortified areas. Like other surnames, Hembree can trace its routes through a family lineage, passed down over generations.
Order DNA origin analysisHembree: Where does the name Hembree come from?
The last name Hembree is of Anglo-Saxon origin, originating from the region of East Yorkshire in Northern England. The name is believed to have been initially derived from the Old English personal name "Hemm" combined with the Old Norse element "býr," translating to "farm" or "settlement." This implies that the initial bearers of the surname occupied a homestead or village. It potentially originated as a locational name for individuals who resided in a village named Hemmingby, in the county of Lincolnshire.
In the early 17th century, numerous English families migrated to the New World due to political and religious conflicts. They moved to the British colonies in America, where the name Hembree became more prevalent. Today, the surname is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in the states of South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Although it is not a highly common surname, the largest concentrations of individuals with the Hembree surname are found in these regions.
Variations of the surname Hembree
The surname Hembree is predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the southern areas. Variations of the name Hembree have been found spelled in several ways in historic records including; Hemby, Hembee, Hemble, Hambree, Hembre, and Hembrie.
It is believed to have possibly emerged from the Old French word "hambon" which means "cut of meat or ham". Presumably, it could have likely been an occupational name for those involved in butchery or meat trade. There are also theories that it might have been derived from a place name, but no specific location has been identified.
Other variants may have sprung up due to derivatives in dialect, along with misspellings in public records, immigration documents, and census forms.
There seems to be no commonly recognized surnames of the same origin as Hembree but similar surnames like Hamby, Hambrick, or Hambley might potentially share a common root given their phonetic resemblance, but definite connections are difficult to establish without more in-depth lineage studies and genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Hembree
- Heath Hembree: An American professional baseball player who has played as a pitcher for several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams including the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets.
- Ryan Hembree: An American politician from South Carolina. He served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2009 to 2012.
- Bobbie-Jo Hembree: Professional bodybuilder and powerlifter from the USA. She holds several records and has won numerous competitions in her sport.
- Robbie Hembree: A well-known gamer and game designer, who has been a part of the creation of popular video games. Please note, some of these individuals may not be worldwide celebrities, but they are recognized within their specific professional domains and could be considered as ‘famous’ to some people, particularly those who follow those professions.