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Sign up freeAbney Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Abney Surname
The Abney surname is an English surname with historical roots that trace back to the Old French name D'Aubigny. This name signifies 'of' or 'from' Saint-Aubin-d'Aubigné, a place located in what is now the Ille-et-Vilaine department of France. Over time, the surname evolved into its current form, Abney, and has been carried by various notable individuals, such as Sir Thomas Abney, a Lord Mayor of London, and William de Wiveleslie Abney, an English chemist and educationist.
The Abney surname first appeared in English records in the early 14th century, marking its integration into the broader landscape of English family history. Throughout the 15th century, the Abney family established itself in various English counties, contributing to a rich tapestry of genealogical roots. By the 17th century, the name had crossed the Atlantic, with families migrating to the United States and expanding their lineage across the new world, thereby influencing the geographic spread of the Abney family tree.
YourRoots data supports the historical accounts of the Abney family’s early presence in England, with records dating back to the 14th century. This dataset reveals how the family flourished in England before expanding to North America in the 17th and 18th centuries. The YourRoots insights underscore the Abney family’s resilience and adaptability, further enriching the understanding of its genealogical expansion and legacy.
For genealogy enthusiasts, the Abney family tree provides a fascinating journey through centuries of history. The YourRoots database offers an invaluable resource for uncovering connections and tracing the lineage of this storied surname. With a wealth of Abney records available, researchers can gain insights into both historical and contemporary branches of the family, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Abney name.
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Records
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MAMartha AbneyBirth: 1704 – 1759 Albemarle, Virginia, United StatesDeath: 1704 – 1759 Halifax, Halifax, Virginia, United StatesFather: Dannett AbneyMother: Mary LeeReliability Score: CMAMartha AbneyBirth: 1704 – 1759 Albemarle, Virginia, United StatesDeath: 1704 – 1759 Halifax, Halifax, Virginia, United StatesFather: Dannett AbneyMother: Mary LeeReliability Score: C
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LALouis W AbneyBirth: 1924 – 2001 Evansville, IndianaDeath: 1924 – 2001 Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana, USAFather: Thurman AbneyMother: Eva WardReliability Score: BLALouis W AbneyBirth: 1924 – 2001 Evansville, IndianaDeath: 1924 – 2001 Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana, USAFather: Thurman AbneyMother: Eva WardReliability Score: B
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PAPaul AbneyBirth: 1587 – 1635 St Marys,leicestershire,englandDeath: 1587 – 1635 Leicestershire,EnglandFather: Sir Edmund (Lord Mayor of Leicester) AbneyMother: Katherine LudhamReliability Score: APAPaul AbneyBirth: 1587 – 1635 St Marys,leicestershire,englandDeath: 1587 – 1635 Leicestershire,EnglandFather: Sir Edmund (Lord Mayor of Leicester) AbneyMother: Katherine LudhamReliability Score: A
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WAWilliam "Mad Bill" AbneyBirth: 1802 – 1879 South CarolinaDeath: 1802 – 1879 Barbour County Alabama, USAFather: Azariah Absalom AbneyMother: Mary Ann ABNEYReliability Score: AWAWilliam "Mad Bill" AbneyBirth: 1802 – 1879 South CarolinaDeath: 1802 – 1879 Barbour County Alabama, USAFather: Azariah Absalom AbneyMother: Mary Ann ABNEYReliability Score: A
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AAAbner AbneyBirth: 1711 – 1752 King William County, Virginia, United States of AmericaDeath: 1711 – 1752 Albemarle County, Virginia, United States of AmericaFather: Dannett (The Colonist) AbneyMother: Mary LeeReliability Score: AAAAbner AbneyBirth: 1711 – 1752 King William County, Virginia, United States of AmericaDeath: 1711 – 1752 Albemarle County, Virginia, United States of AmericaFather: Dannett (The Colonist) AbneyMother: Mary LeeReliability Score: A
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HAHezekiah AbneyBirth: 1781 – 1861 Amherst County, Virginia, United States of AmericaDeath: 1781 – 1861 Cleburne County, Alabama, United States of AmericaFather: Elisha AbneyMother: Mary Unity CallowayReliability Score: AHAHezekiah AbneyBirth: 1781 – 1861 Amherst County, Virginia, United States of AmericaDeath: 1781 – 1861 Cleburne County, Alabama, United States of AmericaFather: Elisha AbneyMother: Mary Unity CallowayReliability Score: A
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SASir Edmund (Lord Mayor of Leicester) AbneyBirth: 1562 – 1603 Willesley,derbyshire,englandDeath: 1562 – 1603 St Marys,leicestershire,englandFather: George Henry Abney I, Lord of WillesleyMother: Ellen WolseleyReliability Score: ASASir Edmund (Lord Mayor of Leicester) AbneyBirth: 1562 – 1603 Willesley,derbyshire,englandDeath: 1562 – 1603 St Marys,leicestershire,englandFather: George Henry Abney I, Lord of WillesleyMother: Ellen WolseleyReliability Score: A
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TAThurman AbneyBirth: 1894 – 1987 Mclean, Kentucky, USADeath: 1894 – 1987 Newburgh, Warrick County, Indiana, United States of AmericaFather: John AbneyMother: Sally Sallie Sarah (Abney) PuckettReliability Score: ATAThurman AbneyBirth: 1894 – 1987 Mclean, Kentucky, USADeath: 1894 – 1987 Newburgh, Warrick County, Indiana, United States of AmericaFather: John AbneyMother: Sally Sallie Sarah (Abney) PuckettReliability Score: A
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MAMinervia AbneyBirth: 1821 – 1877 Edgefield SCDeath: 1821 – 1877 Edgefield SCFather: Zachariah AbneyMother: Tabitha TownsendReliability Score: CMAMinervia AbneyBirth: 1821 – 1877 Edgefield SCDeath: 1821 – 1877 Edgefield SCFather: Zachariah AbneyMother: Tabitha TownsendReliability Score: C
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JAJames Alfred AbneyBirth: 1815 – 1890 Paulding, Georgia, United StatesDeath: 1815 – 1890 Friendship Baptist, Paulding Co, GeorgiaFather: Hezekiah AbneyMother: Anne CallowayReliability Score: AJAJames Alfred AbneyBirth: 1815 – 1890 Paulding, Georgia, United StatesDeath: 1815 – 1890 Friendship Baptist, Paulding Co, GeorgiaFather: Hezekiah AbneyMother: Anne CallowayReliability Score: A
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LALester Lee AbneyBirth: 1917 – 1993 McLean Co, KentuckyDeath: 1917 – 1993 Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana, USAFather: Thurman AbneyMother: Eva WardReliability Score: ALALester Lee AbneyBirth: 1917 – 1993 McLean Co, KentuckyDeath: 1917 – 1993 Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana, USAFather: Thurman AbneyMother: Eva WardReliability Score: A
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ZAZachariah AbneyBirth: 1782 – 1838 Edgefield, Edgefield, South Carolina, United StatesDeath: 1782 – 1838 Bethany, Edgefield, South Carolina, United StatesFather: Samuel AbneyMother: Martha Harriett HamiltonReliability Score: CZAZachariah AbneyBirth: 1782 – 1838 Edgefield, Edgefield, South Carolina, United StatesDeath: 1782 – 1838 Bethany, Edgefield, South Carolina, United StatesFather: Samuel AbneyMother: Martha Harriett HamiltonReliability Score: C
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DADannett (The Colonist) AbneyBirth: 1659 – 1733 St Marys Parish, Leicestershire, EnglandDeath: 1659 – 1733 Charlottesville, Albemarle, Virginia, USAFather: George Abney AbnyeMother: Bathshua (Abney) StrattonReliability Score: ADADannett (The Colonist) AbneyBirth: 1659 – 1733 St Marys Parish, Leicestershire, EnglandDeath: 1659 – 1733 Charlottesville, Albemarle, Virginia, USAFather: George Abney AbnyeMother: Bathshua (Abney) StrattonReliability Score: A
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JAJohn Calhoun AbneyBirth: 1851 – 1901 Eufaula, Barbour, Alabama, United StatesDeath: 1851 – 1901 Pinckard, Dale, Alabama, United StatesFather: William "Mad Bill" AbneyMother: Elizabeth Louisa ABNEY WilsonReliability Score: BJAJohn Calhoun AbneyBirth: 1851 – 1901 Eufaula, Barbour, Alabama, United StatesDeath: 1851 – 1901 Pinckard, Dale, Alabama, United StatesFather: William "Mad Bill" AbneyMother: Elizabeth Louisa ABNEY WilsonReliability Score: B
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AAAnne E CARTER AbneyBirth: 1833 – 1918 FlaDeath: 1833 – 1918 Eufaula, Barbour, Alabama, USAFather: William "Mad Bill" AbneyMother: Elizabeth Louisa ABNEY WilsonReliability Score: AAAAnne E CARTER AbneyBirth: 1833 – 1918 FlaDeath: 1833 – 1918 Eufaula, Barbour, Alabama, USAFather: William "Mad Bill" AbneyMother: Elizabeth Louisa ABNEY WilsonReliability Score: A
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SASarah "Sally" AbneyBirth: 1844 – 1870 AlabamaDeath: 1844 – 1870 Canton, Van Zandt, TexasFather: William "Mad Bill" AbneyMother: Elizabeth Louisa ABNEY WilsonReliability Score: BSASarah "Sally" AbneyBirth: 1844 – 1870 AlabamaDeath: 1844 – 1870 Canton, Van Zandt, TexasFather: William "Mad Bill" AbneyMother: Elizabeth Louisa ABNEY WilsonReliability Score: B
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SASusannah "Susan" Caroline AbneyBirth: 1816 – 1848 Edgefield, Edgefield, South Carolina, United StatesDeath: 1816 – 1848 Newberry, Newberry, South Carolina, USAFather: Azariah Absalom AbneyMother: Mary Ann ABNEYReliability Score: CSASusannah "Susan" Caroline AbneyBirth: 1816 – 1848 Edgefield, Edgefield, South Carolina, United StatesDeath: 1816 – 1848 Newberry, Newberry, South Carolina, USAFather: Azariah Absalom AbneyMother: Mary Ann ABNEYReliability Score: C
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EAElisha AbneyBirth: 1741 – 1817 Fluvanna, British America, Virginia, USADeath: 1741 – 1817 Butler, Kentucky, USAFather: Abner AbneyMother: Anne Abney TaliaferroReliability Score: AEAElisha AbneyBirth: 1741 – 1817 Fluvanna, British America, Virginia, USADeath: 1741 – 1817 Butler, Kentucky, USAFather: Abner AbneyMother: Anne Abney TaliaferroReliability Score: A
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MAMabel Irene "Rena" AbneyBirth: 1919 – 1921 Mclean, Kentucky, USADeath: 1919 – 1921 Mclean, Kentucky, USAFather: Thurman AbneyMother: Eva WardReliability Score: BMAMabel Irene "Rena" AbneyBirth: 1919 – 1921 Mclean, Kentucky, USADeath: 1919 – 1921 Mclean, Kentucky, USAFather: Thurman AbneyMother: Eva WardReliability Score: B
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JAJames Everett AbneyBirth: 1882 – 1940 Saline County, Illinois, United States of AmericaDeath: 1882 – 1940 Saline County, Illinois, United States of AmericaFather: Francis Marion AbneyMother: Nancy Jane AllenReliability Score: AJAJames Everett AbneyBirth: 1882 – 1940 Saline County, Illinois, United States of AmericaDeath: 1882 – 1940 Saline County, Illinois, United States of AmericaFather: Francis Marion AbneyMother: Nancy Jane AllenReliability Score: A
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Tracing Your Abney Family Lineage
Origin of the Abney Family: Where does the Abney surname come from?
The Abney surname first appeared in records from England during the early 14th century, marking the beginning of this family's genealogical journey. This early documentation connects the Abney family to the broader tapestry of English history, laying the groundwork for future generations. As families began to establish themselves, the Abney name began to emerge as a significant lineage within the region.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Abney
Throughout the following centuries, the Abney family began to spread across England, particularly flourishing in the 15th century. Key regions where Abney family lines can be traced include various counties in England, where they established roots that would branch out over generations. This growth allowed the Abney family to build extensive family trees, intertwining their lineage with other notable families of the time.
As the 16th century unfolded, the number of Abneys increased significantly, contributing to their presence in historical records. Families began to migrate and establish new branches, further enriching the genealogical narrative of the Abney surname. Each new generation added depth to the family tree, creating a diverse and expansive network of relatives.
Tracing the Abney Family Tree Through the Centuries
The evolution of the Abney surname continued as families began to migrate beyond England into new territories, particularly during the 17th century. The United States saw a significant influx of Abney families, marking a pivotal shift in the surname's geographic distribution. This transatlantic movement helped the Abney family tree grow internationally, with branches spreading across various states and regions.
By the 18th century, the Abney name was firmly established in the United States, where it would continue to flourish. The family tree expanded further in the 19th century, as more descendants settled across North America, creating a rich and diverse heritage. This global spread not only highlights the resilience of the Abney family but also reflects broader migration patterns of the time.
Where to Find Abney Genealogy Records Today
In the modern centuries, the Abney surname has continued to be recorded extensively, particularly in the United States and areas where descendants of early Abney families settled. The 20th century saw a further increase in the Abney name's presence, with families continuing to connect through various means of documentation. Readers are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database to uncover their own connections within the Abney family tree and to trace their lineage through this storied surname.
Famous People with Abney (and Their Family Tree)
William de Wiveleslie Abney
Sir William de Wiveleslie Abney (1843–1920) was an influential English astronomer, chemist, and photographer known for his pioneering work in photography and spectroscopy. Abney's significant achievements include developing a dry photographic emulsion and a red-sensitive emulsion, which advanced the study of infrared spectra. He introduced hydroquinone and new photographic papers, contributing to photography's technical progress. Abney was a Fellow of the Royal Society and held prestigious roles, such as President of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Physical Society of London, and was honored as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
William Abney was born in Derby, England, the son of Rev. Edward Henry Abney, vicar of St Alkmund's Church, Derby, and Catharine Strutt. His father owned the Firs Estate and was an early photographic experimenter, which influenced Abney's career. William had a brother, Charles Edward Abney, with whom he founded the Derby Photographic Society in 1884.
Derek Abney
Derek Allen Abney, born on December 19, 1980, in Minot, North Dakota, is an American former college football player renowned for his role as a wide receiver and kick returner for the Kentucky Wildcats. Abney achieved significant career highlights, earning consensus All-American honors as a kick returner in 2002 and becoming a first-team All-SEC selection in both 2002 and 2003. Despite being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2004 NFL draft and later signed by the Chicago Bears, he never appeared in a regular season NFL game. After retiring from football, he transitioned into a successful career as a licensed professional engineer in South Carolina.
Larry Abney
Lawrence Abney, known as Birdman for his athletic prowess, is an American former professional basketball player and coach. Born on May 19, 1977, in Nyack, New York, Abney made a significant impact in the basketball world. His career highlights include a standout performance at Fresno State University, where he set a modern-day NCAA Division I record for rebounds in a game. Abney played internationally in countries like Australia, France, and Argentina, earning All-NBL honors during his stint with the Townsville Crocodiles. He also served as the head coach for the Saskatchewan Rattlers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, showcasing his versatility and leadership in the sport.
Don Abney
John Donald Abney was a renowned American jazz pianist born on March 10, 1923, in Baltimore, Maryland. He built an illustrious career collaborating with jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Benny Carter. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Abney's versatility was evident as he played the French horn in the U.S. Army and later became a session musician. His work spanned genres, contributing to jazz, R&B, pop, and rock recordings. Abney also served as a musical director at Universal Studios/MCA, with credits in films like "Pete Kelly's Blues" and "Lady Sings the Blues." His international acclaim was bolstered with successful tours in Japan during the 1990s.
Thomas Abney
Sir Thomas Abney (1640–1722) was a distinguished English merchant and banker, renowned for his tenure as Lord Mayor of London from 1700 to 1701. Notably, Abney was among the original Directors of the Bank of England and was knighted by William III. His career began with an apprenticeship to William Thorogood, leading to his membership in the Fishmongers Company. Abney was known for his devout nature, famously balancing his religious commitments with his civic duties. He hosted Dr. Isaac Watts for thirty-six years at his mansion in Stoke Newington, demonstrating his commitment to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth.
Born in Willesley, Abney was the son of James Abney and the younger brother of Edward Abney, MP for Leicester. His family roots were in Derbyshire, although the area is now part of Leicestershire. Thomas Abney's first marriage was to Sarah Caryl, followed by a second marriage to the independent Mary Gunston, who contributed her name to Abney Park in Stoke Newington. His family connections extended to a nephew, also named Thomas Abney, who served as a judge.
Abney Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Abney" is of English origin, evolving from the surname D'Aubigny. It signifies being "of" or "from" the place Saint-Aubin-d'Aubigné, located in what is now the Ille-et-Vilaine department.
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