What is the origin of the last name Pennington?
Countries of origin for the last name Pennington
The last name Pennington is of English origin. It is a locational or habitational surname, derived from any of the various places in England named Pennington. These places are scattered across the country, found in the counties of Cumbria, Lancashire, and the Isle of Wight.
The etymology of the name Pennington can be traced back to the Old English words “pennig” and “tūn,” which mean “penny” and “enclosure” or “settlement,” respectively. Combined, they suggest a place or settlement where pennies were used as currency or had some significance. This could indicate that Pennington was once a place where monetary transactions were conducted or that it was associated with a prominent family or individual with wealth.
The earliest recorded spelling of the surname Pennington dates back to the 13th century in Lancashire, England, specifically in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Throughout history, the spelling of the name has varied, with different versions including Penington, Penynton, and Penyngton.
In terms of distribution, the surname Pennington is more commonly found in the United States than in its country of origin. This suggests that many individuals with this surname migrated to the United States at some point in their family history. Today, the surname Pennington can be found across the United States, with concentrations in states such as Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, and California.
Given the locational nature of the surname Pennington, it is likely that different branches of the family dispersed and settled in various parts of England throughout history. As families moved and generations passed, different Pennington family lines may have emerged, each with their own unique traits, traditions, and histories. Exploring family records and conducting genealogical research can offer insight into these individual family stories and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Pennington surname.
Overall, the last name Pennington is rooted in English history and is associated with various places in the country. Its etymology points to a connection with currency or wealth, suggesting that Pennington may have been a place of economic significance in the past. Through migration and the passage of time, the surname has become more prevalent in the United States. Despite the information available about the Pennington surname, there are still gaps and mysteries waiting to be unraveled, allowing for the exploration of new connections and narratives within this family name.
Interesting facts about the last name Pennington
- The surname Pennington is of English origin.
- It is derived from the Old English word “pening,” which means a penny or a coin.
- The name Pennington was originally given as a nickname to someone who was involved in currency or monetary affairs.
- It is a locational surname, meaning it was given to people based on the place they came from.
- There are several places in England called Pennington, which may have contributed to the origin of this surname.
- One notable person with the surname Pennington is Charles B. Pennington, an American politician who served as the Mayor of Detroit in the late 19th century.
- The Pennington family has a long history in the United States, and their name can be found in various records dating back to the colonial period.
- The surname Pennington is relatively rare, ranking around 4,000th in terms of popularity in the United States.
- People with the surname Pennington can be found around the world, including countries like Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
- Pennington is also a popular place name in the United States, with several towns and counties named after the surname.
Name Rank
#846
There are around 40854 people with the last name Pennington in the US