Surname Autry - Meaning and Origin

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V. Autry

Autry: What does the surname Autry mean?

The surname Autry is of French origin, derived from a place name in France, specifically from the several places named Autrey or Autry in the eastern part of the country. It is a habitational name, meaning that it was originally given to a person who hailed from one of these places. The name itself likely originates from the Latin personal name 'Auderius' or 'Auderius.' Over time, 'Auderius' would have become 'Audri' in Old French, and then 'Autry'. Like many surnames that started as geographical identifiers, Autry would have been used to differentiate people who moved from their home town. For example, a person named Pierre who moved from Autry to another town might have been referred to as 'Pierre d'Autry' (Peter of Autry) to distinguish him from other men named Pierre. Over time, this kind of identifier often became a hereditary surname.

Autry: Where does the name Autry come from?

The surname Autry has French origins and it is believed to be a derivative of the Old French personal name 'Autrey'. The name can be traced back to Burgundy, a region in east-central France, where people lived in or near a fortified place. Autry is not an exceptionally common surname. However, it is most frequently found in the United States, specifically in the states of North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia, partially due to immigration patterns. The French immigrants initially came to Canada, and from there they migrated south to Louisiana and other regions in the United States. The surname Autry has been made popular through individuals like Gene Autry, the famous American singer-songwriter, actor, and 'singing cowboy' of the early 20th century.

Variations of the surname Autry

The surname Autry, predominantly used in the United States, is believed to have French origins. It is often associated with the southern region of France and is possibly derived from the old French word "outrie", meaning "a piece of land by the water".

Variants and alternative spellings of this surname can include Autrey, Autray, Autriz, Autri, and Awtrey. Surnames with a similar origin may also include names like Audra, Audry, Audri, or Audre, which are typically personal names but can be used as surnames in certain cultures.

Additionally, geographical or regional variants of this name can also exist, deriving from specific areas within France, or from regions where French emigrants have settled, such as Canada or Louisiana in the United States.

It's important to note that surname origins and variations can be influenced by many factors, including migration, regional dialects, phonetic spelling by non-native speakers, and cultural assimilation. Consequently, many more variations of the name Autry could exist, and these are just a few examples. As with all surname research, genealogical sources and records would provide the most accurate and extensive variations of the surname Autry.

Famous people with the name Autry

• Gene Autry: Known as the "Singing Cowboy," Autry was an iconic figure in American popular culture in the mid-20th century. He is best remembered as a singing cowboy in Hollywood westerns in the 1930s and 1940s. He was also a versatile entertainer, with successful careers in radio, television, and live theatre.
• Jackie Autry: Widow of Gene Autry, she is well-known for her contribution to numerous philanthropic causes. As former honorary president of the American League, she was one of the few women in Major League Baseball upper-level management.
• John Autry II: An American actor and producer known for appearing in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
• Roy Autry: An American former Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Baltimore Orioles.
• Wes Autry: Known as "The Freight Train," Autry was a professional bull rider.
• Carlos Autry: An American convicted murderer whose conviction and sentence became a major controversy in the early 1980s because he was only 17 when he committed the crime.
• Derek Autry: A former professional American football player who played in the NFL. It should be noted that not all of these individuals are related.

Other surnames

AutrataAutrayAutreAutreeAutremontAutreyAutrie