Coning

The surname CONING is of English origin, and can be traced back to the late 12th century. It is derived from the Old English word "coning", which means "king" or "leader". The name is believed to have originated in the county of Oxfordshire, where it was first recorded in the village of Cuningtun, which later became known as Coning.

One of the earliest recorded references to the CONING surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire, dated 1195. These rolls were medieval records that documented financial transactions and legal proceedings in the county. The name appears as "Robertus Coning", which indicates that the bearer of this name was likely a respected individual or leader in the local community.

In the 13th century, the CONING surname appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire, a census-like record that documented the names of landowners and tenants in the county. This suggests that the CONING family had established itself as landowners or tenants during this period.

During the 14th century, the name was recorded in various church records and parish registers across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. One notable example is John CONING, who was born in the village of Coning in 1325 and served as a local magistrate.

In the 15th century, the CONING surname gained prominence with the birth of Sir William CONING (1435-1498), a prominent landowner and member of the gentry in Oxfordshire. He was known for his involvement in local affairs and served as a Justice of the Peace for the county.

Another notable bearer of the CONING surname was Thomas CONING (1560-1630), a merchant and landowner from the town of Banbury, Oxfordshire. He was a wealthy individual and contributed significantly to the local economy and community.

In the 17th century, the CONING surname spread beyond Oxfordshire to other parts of England, as evidenced by the birth of Robert CONING (1620-1689) in the city of Bristol. He was a successful merchant and traded goods across the English Channel.

The 18th century saw the rise of John CONING (1725-1793), a prominent figure in the literary world. He was a respected writer and poet, known for his works on English history and literature. His works were widely read and celebrated during his lifetime.

As the CONING surname continued to spread throughout England, it also made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the American colonies. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in America was that of William CONING (1745-1820), who settled in Pennsylvania and became a successful farmer and landowner.