Surname Aubigny - Meaning and Origin
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Aubigny: What does the surname Aubigny mean?
The last name Aubigny is of French origin and is derived from the old French word "Albinus," which was used to describe someone with a pale white complexion. Originally, it was a habitational name, referring to a place in northern France, derived from the Latin word "Albus," which means "white." Over time, it came to be used to refer to someone from Aubigny, a commune in the Somme department of the Picardy region of France.
The surname Aubigny was originally associated with nobility, as the first bearers of the name were a branch of the House of Robertians, a French noble branch of royalty. From that point forward, the name became linked to the nobility of France, and many descendants of the House of Robertians used the name Aubigny as their own.
Today, the surname Aubigny is not necessarily associated with nobility, and those with the name can come from completely different backgrounds and cultures. Individuals with the Aubigny surname are simply associated with the original French roots and all the history that name implies.
Order DNA origin analysisAubigny: Where does the name Aubigny come from?
The last name Aubigny is a French surname derived from “Aubigny-sur-Nère,” a commune in the French region of Les Cher. Its meaning is unclear, but it may have originally meant “abbey of Nère” or “meadow (ign) of Nère.” The name was adopted by members of the saint-martin family who had an ancestral home in the area sometime during the Middle Ages.
Aubigny is most common today in France, particularly in the southern part of the country. The name is also quite common in certain parts of Canada, as many individuals with French ancestry from the area of Les Cher moved there during the colonial period. Outside of France and Canada, the surname can be found in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Though not very common today, Aubigny is still a proud part of Les Cher’s history. It is especially popular in the town of Aubigny-sur-Nère, where it is prominently displayed on its coat of arms. The last name is also said to have originated from the ancient Breton noble house of the same name, so it is likely that its legacy will continue for many years to come.
Variations of the surname Aubigny
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Aubigny include Albini, Aubini, Aubeigny, Aubeini, Aubégnée, Aubeignée, Aubenet, Albigny, Aubeney, Aubeny, Albinet, Albinay, Albin, Albyn, Aubin, Aubingnie, Abenet, Abeney, Abeny, Aubeny, Albigné, Abyney, Abiny, Albine, Abbigne and Abini.
The surname Aubigny is derived from the Latin Albinnius or Albinus which in turn comes from the Germanic personal name Albin. This personal name was created from the root element 'alb', meaning 'white or bright'. The first records of this surname date from the 11th century in France.
Aubigny is a surname most commonly used in France, with many French record books and directories featuring the spelling Aubin, Albin, Albini or Albyn. From the 15th to the 19th century, the name was also prevalent in England. It is thought that various members of the French noble family l'Aubigny were among the first to use the surname in England.
The Italian spelling of the surname is Albinet or Albinay, and the Spanish version is Albini or Albigny. Aubeigny is also a variation found in France, while Aubeney and Aubeny are two Irish variants. In Scotland, spellings such as Abenet, Abeney, Abeny and Aubeney were common.
Aubigny is also the name of several towns in Europe, making it one of the most expansive surnames of European origin. It has a rich history behind its various spellings and origins, making it an interesting surname with many regional variations.
Famous people with the name Aubigny
- Axel de Monsabert, 17th Duke of Aubigny: a French aristocrat and soldier from the House of La Rochefoucauld who fought in World War I.
- Susan Villiers, Countess of Aubigny: a British peeress and descendant of the Villiers family, one of the most influential families in Stuart England.
- Marie de La Rochefoucauld, Duchess of Aubigny: a French noblewoman who served as a maid of honor to Queen Anne of Austria.
- George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton and 13th Earl of Angus, 16th Viscount of Aubigny: a Scottish nobleman and politician.
- Brigadier General Charles de La Rochefoucauld, Marquis de La Rochefoucauld-Quercy, Duke of Aubigny: a French soldier who fought in both World Wars I and II.
- Lord Charles Darnley of Aubigny: a British nobleman and heir to the Earldom of Darnley.
- Jean de La Rochefoucauld, 11th Duke of Aubigny: a French nobleman who served as a courtier under Charles IX.
- Alfred Dudley Pickman Rogers d'Aubigny: an American businessman and art collector who served as U.S. Ambassador to Monaco from 1971 to 1976.
- Lord John Hope of Aubigny: a British politician and son of the 13th Earl of Hopetoun.
- Jacques-Nompar de Caumont, 9th Duke of La Force and 14th Duke of Aubigny: a French nobleman and brigadier.