Surname Newbury - Meaning and Origin
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Newbury: What does the surname Newbury mean?
The surname Newbury is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from several places so named in England, such as Newbury in Berkshire, or Newborough in Northamptonshire and Staffordshire. The name is composed of two Old English words, "neowe" and "burh", which mean "new" and "fortified place" or "town", respectively. Hence, Newbury roughly translates to "new town" or "new fortress". Such locational surnames were typically given to the lord of the manor, and/or to those who left their original homes and moved to another place. Over the years, the spelling may have evolved and variants of the name may include Newberry, Newbery, Newburry, among others. However, the literal interpretation of the name may not reflect the lifestyle or occupation of ancestors who bore the surname. Names also travelled with individuals so someone originating from Newbury could have moved elsewhere, passing on the surname to subsequent generations.
Order DNA origin analysisNewbury: Where does the name Newbury come from?
The last name Newbury is most commonly found in the eastern and southeastern United States, particularly in and around the cities of Philadelphia and Boston. It also appears to be scattered throughout the midwestern United States in small numbers. The highest concentration of the last name appears to be in Massachusetts, followed by Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
As far as the origin of the last name Newbury goes, there is some disagreement. It is thought to be of either English or Irish origin. It is possible that it began as an English surname derived from a place name in the region of Berkshire. This place name is derived from the Old English words “neowe” meaning “new” and “burh” meaning “fortified area”. It could also be an Irish last name derived from the Gaelic “O’Muaidhbhuidhe” meaning “the descendant of the son of the yellow one”.
Regardless of its origin, the Newbury family name has endured for centuries, and while scattered in small numbers throughout the United States, members of the Newbury family are linked by a common heritage and a unique name.
Variations of the surname Newbury
The surname Newbury has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is believed to have first originated as a locational name, derived from places so named in several counties in England. Variants and spellings include:
New Byru, Newb summer, Neubury, Neubirry, Newbugh, Newbury, Newburry, and Newburg.
Surnames of the same origin include:
Newborough, Newbourgh, Newby, Newbiry, Newburye, Newbome, and Newbe.
The place name itself is derived from Old English, with the literal meaning 'new fortification' or 'new fortified place'. In the year 1086, the Domesday Book shows several places with this name, known as 'Newberie' and 'Neubiria' in various counties such as Berkshire, Hampshire, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire and Warwickshire.
The original families that took this name were likely descended from those who lived in or near settlements by this name in these counties. From there the surname spread to other areas of England, and eventually to Europe, Australia, and the Americas.
Today, people with the Newbury surname in the United States will have ancestors who were likely immigrants from England or other parts of southern or western Europe. They are also likely related to the many Newbury families that have spread throughout England during the 19th century.
Famous people with the name Newbury
- Keith Newbury: professional skier and stunt performer
- Hayley Newbury: British screen and stage actress
- Tony Newbury: musician and session guitarist
- Barry Newbury: British actor, primarily known for his roles in “Midsomer Murders” and “Agatha Christie's Poirot”
- Tony Newbury: actor and screenplay writer
- Laura Newbury: Canadian actress and playwright
- Ian Newbury: British former professional cricketer
- Sir Travis Newbury: British lawyer and businessman
- Craig Newbury: English former professional footballer
- Sam Newbury: Australian professional rugby league player