Surname Penneyfather - Meaning and Origin
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Penneyfather: What does the surname Penneyfather mean?
The surname Penneyfather is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is said to be an occupational name, which was often derived from the primary job that the initial bearer held. The name Penneyfather is believed to be associated with a local mint or perhaps an office of finance. Since the coin named "Penny" was a common currency during medieval times in England, the name might have been used for someone who was in charge of or worked with Penny coins at income or treasury department. As surnames became necessary for tax purposes, a person who held such positions could possibly obtain the name "Penneyfather." Like many surnames, variations of spelling can be seen over centuries due to a lack of standardization in early historical records. It is important to note that the meaning of a surname may vary based on geographical location and historical usage.
Order DNA origin analysisPenneyfather: Where does the name Penneyfather come from?
The last name Penneyfather is commonly found in Australia today. In the 2016 Australian Census, 693 people reported that their last name was Penneyfather. It is a fairly uncommon name, but has been in Australia since the arrival of the first European settlers.
The origins of the name can be traced back to the West Country of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall. The name Penneyfather has been in the region since at least the 16th century. The name is derived from the Old English words 'penig' which means 'penny' and 'fatehre' which means 'father', so the literal meaning is 'penny father'. It is likely that the name was originally used as a nickname for people who collected or managed coins.
Penneyfathers also migrated to Canada in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the name can still be found there today, although at much lower numbers than in Australia. In the 2016 Canadian Census, only 15 people reported that their last name is Penneyfather. There is also a small number of Penneyfathers in the United States, although, again, at much lower numbers.
The popularity of the name may have declined, but it is still possible to find Penneyfathers worldwide today.
Variations of the surname Penneyfather
The surname Penneyfather is of English origin and can be found in records dating back to the 1600s. Variants of the name include Pennyfather, Pennyfathers, Pennifather, Penifather, Pennifathers, Pennifathere, Pennifathers, Penifathers, Penneyfatter, Pennifatther, Pennifettere, Penifatur, and Pennifattere. It is believed to have originated as a derivative of the name Pennyfather or Pennyfathers.
The variations in spelling of the surname are likely due to the time period and lack of standardization of spelling in the 1600s and 1700s. In some cases, transcription errors were also the reason for variations while local dialects can also account for different versions.
The main source of confusion with the surname is its similarity to the more common surnames of Pennyfather and Pennifather. While the two are similar, they are believed to have two distinct origins. This means that Pennifather is more likely to be found in England and Wales, while Penneyfather is more likely to originate in Ireland. However, the two were known to be interchangeable at times due to the many migrations of Scots, Irish, and English settlers in the 18th century.
Penneyfather is an uncommon surname that is often mislabeled or confused with its similar sounding counterparts. The surname can be found in records often listed along with its variant spellings. However, due to its rarity, it's possible that some descendants of the Penneyfather family may be unaware of their original surname.
Famous people with the name Penneyfather
- David Penneyfather: English actor who appeared in films such as The Exorcist and The Wicker Man.
- Michael Penneyfather: PvP video game streamer known as 'DocGotGame' who frequently stream on Twitch.
- John Penneyfather: English professor at University College London specializing in linguistics.
- Adam Penneyfather: Former chef in the British Royal Navy, who later opened his own successful restaurant in Milton Keynes, England.
- Henry Penneyfather: 15th century mathematician and scientist who wrote the book Alchemy and Alchemical Arts, a foundational work on the history of alchemy in Europe.
- Sarah Penneyfather: Friend of Mary Shelley, credited with inspiring the plot and characters of Frankenstein.
- Hester Penneyfather: 18th century British political theorist, philosopher, essayist and poet.
- Thomas Penneyfather: English barrister and member of Parliament in the late 18th century.
- Edward Penneyfather: British Army officer and renowned mountaineer, known for his successful expeditions of the Alps and Pyrenees mountains.
- Frederick Penneyfather: 19th century British Army cavalry officer and renowned big game hunter.