Edney

The surname Edney has its origins in England and is believed to have derived from the Old English word "ednian," which means "to renew" or "to revive." This suggests that the name may have been initially given as a nickname to someone who had a rejuvenating or revitalizing presence.

The earliest recorded instances of the Edney surname can be traced back to the late 12th century in the county of Oxfordshire. One of the earliest documented references is found in the Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1197, which mention a person named Richard Ednye.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various records with different spellings, such as Edny, Ednye, and Ednye, reflecting the inconsistencies in spelling during that era. Some of these records include the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which lists a John Ednye in Oxfordshire, and the Subsidy Rolls of 1327, which mention a William Ednye in the same county.

During the 14th century, the surname spread beyond Oxfordshire and appeared in other parts of England. One notable figure was John Edney, who was born in Berkshire around 1320 and served as a member of the King's Household under Edward III.

In the 15th century, the name was recorded in various manorial records and parish registers across England. For instance, the Subsidy Rolls of 1428 mention a Thomas Edney in Wiltshire, while the Parish Registers of St. Mary's Church in Colchester, Essex, record the baptism of a child named Alice Edney in 1487.

As the centuries progressed, the Edney surname continued to be documented in various historical records, including wills, tax records, and church registers. One notable figure was Sir Thomas Edney, a wealthy landowner who lived in Warwickshire during the late 16th century and served as a Member of Parliament for Warwick in 1586.

Other notable individuals with the surname Edney throughout history include William Edney (1719-1801), a British politician and Member of Parliament for Old Sarum; John Edney (1747-1817), an English engraver known for his work on portraiture and landscapes; and Samuel Edney (1825-1907), a British architect who designed several notable buildings in London.

While the Edney surname has its roots in England, it eventually spread to other parts of the world through emigration and migration. Today, it can be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.