Banning

The surname Banning originated in England, with roots dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "banning," which means a summoning or proclamation. This suggests that the name may have originally been associated with individuals responsible for making public announcements or proclamations, such as town criers or heralds.

Historically, the name Banning was particularly prevalent in the counties of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire in the West Midlands region of England. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which were administrative records compiled during the reign of King Edward I. These records mention individuals with the surname Banning residing in various villages and townships across these counties.

One notable historical reference to the name Banning can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The Domesday Book lists a landowner named Radulfus Banning, who held estates in the county of Worcestershire during the Norman era.

In the 13th century, the name Banning appeared in various forms, including Bannynge, Bannyng, and Baninge, reflecting the spelling variations common in that era. Some of the earliest recorded individuals with this surname include John Banning, who was born in Gloucestershire around 1280, and William Banning, a landowner in Worcestershire mentioned in records from 1312.

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the surname Banning. One such figure was John Banning (1650-1723), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, from 1716 until his death. Another prominent Banning was Emerson Banning (1781-1866), an American businessman and landowner who played a significant role in the early development of Los Angeles, California.

Other notable individuals with the Banning surname include:

1. Phineas Banning (1830-1885), an American businessman and transportation magnate who established the port town of Wilmington, California. 2. Katharine Lee Bates (née Banning, 1859-1929), an American writer best known for her poem "America the Beautiful." 3. William Banning (1886-1969), an English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in the early 20th century. 4. Robert Banning (1903-1988), an American film director and producer active in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. 5. Kendrick Banning Oakes (1914-2005), an American businessman and philanthropist who served as the chairman of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.