Surname Hemby - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hemby: What does the surname Hemby mean?
The surname Hemby is of English origin and belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who lived near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. It is said to be derived from the old English term "hean-by" with "hean" meaning "high" and "by" meaning a "farm" or "settlement". Therefore, the surname Hemby could mean a "high farm" or "high settlement", most likely referring to a place situated on high ground. Like other topographic surnames, it was also likely given to individuals who once lived in or near such a place. This is speculative though, as the exact origin and meaning behind surnames are typically diverse and complex, shaped by social and historical changes over centuries. Please note that meanings of surnames can vary based on regional interpretations and translations.
Order DNA origin analysisHemby: Where does the name Hemby come from?
The surname Hemby is of English origin. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally derived from a family that lived in the settlement of Hanby in Lincolnshire, a county located on the east coast of England. Over the years, this name has evolved in its spelling, with different variations including Hanby, Handby, Handbey, and Hambie, among others.
On moving to the U.S and various English colonies around the globe, English surnames such as Hemby have become more common. However, surnames like Hemby are still somewhat unusual. In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the Hemby surname are located in North Carolina and Texas, but even in these states it's uncommon.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the Hemby surname is also relatively rare. It appears in much smaller numbers and tends to be distributed fairly evenly across the country. As such, there is no specific region where it dominates in the present day.
The number of people with the surname Hemby in other parts of the world is not easily determined, but given the name's English origins, it is likely to be most common in countries with historical connections to the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Hemby
Hemby is not a common surname and finding its variants and spellings can be challenging. However, it seems possible that it could have similar versions like "Hembee", "Hembi", "Hembey", or "Hembye". It's important to note that the spelling of surnames was not consistent until recent centuries, so there may be multiple variations in historical records.
The origins of the Hemby surname seem to be British or Scandinavian, possibly from place names, for example, Hemby in Sweden. Therefore, it may be related to other surnames originating from these regions or surnames with similar phonetics. Spelling variations might have been created around these areas due to local dialects and different languages.
Lastly, considering the resemblance to the word 'hemp', Hemby could possibly relate to occupations involved in hemp farming or manufacturing, making it similar to surnames like Hempstead, Hemphill or Hempelman.
These are only hypotheses based on limited information. For a more accurate understanding, genealogical research, and ancestry mapping may be needed.
Famous people with the name Hemby
- Natalie Hemby: An American Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter and singer known for her works with artists like Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town.
- Patsy Hemby: A famous painter in the United States who has gained recognition for her portraiture and landscape paintings.
- J. W. Hemby: An author known for publishing several books in various genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, and crime. These are the most known individuals with the Hemby surname, spotlighted for their significant contributions in their respective fields.