Vicary

The surname Vicary originated in England, with its earliest known roots dating back to the 12th century. The name is derived from the Old French word "vicar," which in turn comes from the Latin "vicarius," meaning a substitute or deputy. It is believed that the name was initially given as an occupational surname to those who served as deputies or representatives of a higher authority, such as a priest or a nobleman.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Vicary surname can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from the year 1273, where it appears as "Vicari." This document was a census-like record compiled during the reign of King Edward I, providing valuable insights into the distribution of surnames in medieval England.

The Vicary surname is also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive land survey commissioned by William the Conqueror. In this historic record, the name appears as "Vicaire," indicating its presence in England shortly after the Norman Conquest.

During the 13th century, the surname was found in various regions of England, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset. Some notable individuals bearing the Vicary surname from this period include John Vicary (c. 1265-1330), a wealthy landowner in Gloucestershire, and Thomas Vicary (c. 1290-1358), a prominent cleric and scholar who served as the Bishop of Exeter.

In the 15th century, the Vicary surname gained further prominence with the birth of Thomas Vicary (c. 1445-1516), a renowned English physician and surgeon who served as the personal doctor to King Henry VIII. Vicary made significant contributions to the field of medicine and authored several influential works, including "The Anatomie of the Bodie of Man" and "The Englishman's Treasure."

Another notable figure from this period was Richard Vicary (c. 1470-1532), a wealthy merchant and councillor from Bristol, who served as the city's mayor in 1519. His descendants went on to establish themselves as influential landowners in the surrounding areas.

In the 17th century, the Vicary surname continued to be present in various parts of England, with individuals such as William Vicary (c. 1610-1678), a prominent lawyer and judge from Berkshire, and John Vicary (c. 1635-1712), a successful merchant and alderman in the city of London.

Throughout history, the Vicary surname has been associated with various place names and locations, such as Vicary's Cross in Somerset, Vicary's Hill in Gloucestershire, and Vicary's Farm in Oxfordshire. These place names likely derived from individuals bearing the Vicary surname who were landowners or prominent figures in those areas.