Surname Hambery - Meaning and Origin
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Hambery: What does the surname Hambery mean?
The last name Hambery is of English origin and is thought to derived from the Old French term hanaper, which was used to refer to a basket covered with a cloth used for storing and transporting documents and other important items. It is believed that the name Hambery stems from a place name referring to either a nearby stream (Hamp's Berry Brook) or a homestead belonging to a man named Hamp (or Ham, depending on the source).
The first known record of the surname taking the form we recognise today is from the 12th century when a man named Robert de Hambreis is mentioned. Over the centuries, the name also evolved to become various other spellings, including Hambery and Hambury.
The meaning of the surname Hambery has been contended over the years, with many different interpretations. Some claim that it is derived from the German word 'Hammer' meaning 'hammer' and is likely a location-origin name referring to a homestead acquired with a forge or a place where metal work was carried out. Others contend that the name is more likely derived from the Old English word 'ham', meaning 'enclosure'.
The surname has been linked to notable names over the centuries, like political commentators Sarah Hambery and Dr. Christopher Hambery. It is a fairly common surname today, both in the US and the UK.
Order DNA origin analysisHambery: Where does the name Hambery come from?
The last name Hambery is most commonly found in France. It is most found in the region of Nord and Pas-de-Calais, located in the northern part of the country. These regions have been inhabited since prehistory, and records of the Hambery surname can be found as far back as the 1400s. It is thought that the Hambery family originated in or around the town of Wierre-Effroy.
In modern times, the surname is dispersed across the country but still concentrated in the northern region. It is particularly found in the towns of Sandelles, Gournay-En-Bray, and Peronne. Additionally, branches of the Hambery family have spread to other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
The name is believed to be of Germanic origin, derived from the adage "hamm", meaning "village", and "beri", meaning "bear". It is believed that northern France was once a haven for bear-loving clans who knew the land well and lived off the land. Thus, those with the last name Hambery may have descended from a clan of bear-lovers.
Today, the last name Hambery is still quite common in France and beyond. Those who proudly bear the name are sure to take joy in their centuries-old family history and heritage.
Variations of the surname Hambery
The surname Hambery is a fairly uncommon surname. It has a number of variants and spellings, including Hampary, Hanbery, Hambury, Hamburye, and Hamprie. It also has some less common variations, such as Hamberye, Hamberye, Hambyry, Hamburye, and Hamprye. The surname is most commonly found in England, although it is also found in France and Scotland.
Some other surnames that have a similar origins to Hambery are Hambric, Hambrough, and Hambruch. All of these surnames are derived from the Old French word "hampier," which means "clearing in the woods" or "woodland clearing." The surname is also thought to be derived from a place name, such as that of Hamborough in East Sussex.
Some distinct and uncommon variants of the surname Hambery can also be found. These include Hanbery, Hambrey, Hanber, Hember, and Humber. All of these surnames are ultimately derived from the Old French "hampier" or a similar toponymic or local origin.
In summary, the surname Hambery is an uncommon surname with a number of variants, spellings, and related surnames. It is most often found in England, with some less common variations also found in Scotland and France. Various distinct and uncommon variants, such as Hanbery and Hanber, can also be found.
Famous people with the name Hambery
- Hilary Hambery: Pulitzer Prize-nominated African-American poet, playwright, and biographer.
- Alonzo H. Hambery: American furniture manufacturer and patent holder.
- Seth Hambery: professional race car driver.
- Bryon Hambery: former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Sharon Hambery: Emmy Award-winning television director and producer.
- William Hambery: American artist known for his watercolor and oil paintings.
- Blake Hambery: British-American Special Air Service operator.
- Joseph Hambery: German entrepreneur and co-founder of the Global Business Network.
- Basil Hambery: American soldier who fought in the Revolutionary War.
- Marvin Hambery: American actor and comedian best known for his roles on sitcoms such as The Cosby Show and Married... with Children.