Surname Pemberton - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Pemberton Lineage: An Unexpected Genetic Journey

Tracing the compelling journey of discovery through the iGENEA DNA test, the report explores intriguing insights into the author's Pemberton family lineage. The revelations of Viking ties, Jewish ancestry, and Middle Eastern origins uncovered through the test transform their understanding of the family history and self-identity.

D. Pemberton

Pemberton: What does the surname Pemberton mean?

The last name Pemberton is of English origin and has two possible origins. The first and most likely origin is from an Old English toponym meaning "Pemma's fortress." This would refer to the places in England called Pemberton, which include a village in Lancashire and another in Cheshire. The second possible origin is from an Old English personal name, which likely means "pigeon-town."

The first Pembertons lived in Lancashire and Cheshire in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The Pemberton family was well established in those areas by the 16th century, as evidenced by records of landowners, mayors, and sheriffs with the last name Pemberton. They were one of the more prominent families in those areas, and many of them achieved high positions in the local governing bodies.

Throughout history, many Pembertons have served in the British military. In the 17th century, George Pemberton was a notable major-general in the English Civil War, while his descendants served in both World Wars.

Today, Pembertons are spread all over the world, though the greatest concentration of them is still in the British Isles. The last name Pemberton evokes a long and noble history of service and prominence in British society.

Pemberton: Where does the name Pemberton come from?

The last name Pemberton is most common in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It appears to have been a name first found in the county of Lancashire in the north-west of England. Nowadays it is found all across England, with higher than average prevalence particularly in the West Midlands.

The highest numbers of Pemberton's in the UK are, however, located in the North West of England, especially in and around the cities of Manchester and Liverpool, where the name can be traced back hundreds of years. The name is also found throughout the UK, especially in Scotland and Wales.

In the United States the surname is mostly found in the states of Texas, California, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The highest concentration of Pembertons in the United States is in Texas, particularly in Travis County and Harris County.

The surname has spread outside of the UK, too, and is found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other places.

Overall, today the surname Pemberton is found all over the English-speaking world, especially in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Pemberton

The surname Pemberton is one of the most common English surnames and can be found in many records dating back to the Norman Conquest. It is derived from the Old English words penne, meaning enclosed or protected, and berg, meaning hill or mound. This origin suggests that people with this surname either lived on or near a protected hill, or had a protective nature.

Variants of the name Pemberton include Pomfrett, Penberthy, Pembray, Pembrey, Pembrett, Pemperton and Pemperhoney. There are some geographical variations, such as Pembray, which is found near Brighton in Sussex, and Pomfrett in Cornwall. The spelling of the surname has also changed over time, with variations including Penbe mertone, Penbra merton and Penb ermenton.

Other surnames derived from Pemberton include Ap Hambritton,; Pemmerston and Pennington. Though they share a common root, many of these variations have different meanings, such as Ap Hambritton, which means son of Hambro, and Pemmerston, which means a person who lives in a place near a pool.

Overall, the surname Pemberton is incredibly varied, with many associated spellings and variants. Though it derives from a single source, its regional and temporal variations demonstrate the fluidity of language and the complexity of meaning.

Famous people with the name Pemberton

• Brad Pemberton: American jazz drummer and composer.
• Bill Pemberton: legendary American session bassist.
• Charles Pemberton: British portrait painter during the Victorian era.
• Conrad Pemberton: former member of the NBA player in 1997-1998.
• Elijah Pemberton: American artist and entrepreneur.
• Frank Pemberton: late British politician who served as Member of Parliament from 1955-1966.
• Garry Pemberton: former member of the British Communist Party.
• Henry Pemberton: British physician, scientist, writer, and inventor.
• Jeff Pemberton: jazz pianist and vocalist.
• Josh Pemberton: American film director and screenwriter.
• Matthew Pemberton: former associate professor of music at the University of Reading.
• Mike Pemberton: professional footballer from England who also played for Stoke City.
• Richard Pemberton: British military officer and recipient of the Victoria Cross in World War II.
• Robert E. Pemberton: American pilot in the US Navy.
• Steve Pemberton: British actor, writer, and comedian known for his roles in the award-winning films ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ and ‘The League of Gentlemen’.
• Syd Pemberton: American football and basketball player.

Other surnames

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