YourRoots Logo
Sign up free
banner

Sign up to explore more

Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

Sign up free
Extended search

Buckner Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Buckner Surname

The Buckner surname first appeared in historical records in the early 15th century in England. It is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, providing a foundation for tracing the Buckner family tree. The name itself has become associated with a rich historical and cultural heritage, reflecting the diverse lineage that has developed over centuries.

As time progressed, the Buckner surname began to spread beyond its English roots. By the 16th century, the Buckner family established itself throughout England, gaining recognition in key regions. The 18th century marked a significant period of expansion as many Buckners emigrated to North America, further diversifying the family tree. Notable individuals bearing the surname include figures such as Bill Buckner, an American baseball player, and Simon Bolivar Buckner, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.

YourRoots data aligns with the historical narrative of the Buckner surname, confirming its emergence in England during the 15th century. The dataset highlights the significant growth of the Buckner family in the United States during the 19th century, underscoring the family's transatlantic connections. This expansion is evident in the widespread presence of Buckner records, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, illustrating the family's enduring legacy.

For genealogy enthusiasts, YourRoots provides a valuable resource for exploring the Buckner family tree, offering insights into the surname's origins and geographical spread. The continuity between historical records and YourRoots data enriches the understanding of Buckner genealogy, making it an essential tool for researchers tracing their family history.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Buckner Family Tree

Search more Buckner trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Buckner for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Buckner Family Lineage

Origin of the Buckner Family: Where does the Buckner surname come from?

The Buckner surname first appears in historical records during the early 15th century in England. This initial documentation marks a significant point in the family tree, suggesting that the Buckner lineage began to take shape in the fertile historical and cultural landscape of the United Kingdom. The emergence of the surname during this time provides a foundation for tracing its genealogical roots and understanding the early family dynamics.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Buckner

As the centuries progressed, the Buckner family began to spread beyond its English origins, establishing branches primarily throughout England during the 16th century. Notably, the family lines started to flourish, particularly in key regions where the surname gained recognition. By the early 17th century, the Buckner family was not only expanding within England but also beginning to establish its presence across the Atlantic.

Throughout the 18th century, the Buckner family experienced considerable growth, particularly in North America, as many members immigrated to the United States. This migration played a crucial role in the diversification of the family tree, allowing different branches to develop unique identities while maintaining connections to their English roots.

Tracing the Buckner Family Tree Through the Centuries

The surname Buckner saw remarkable expansion during the 19th century, with a significant concentration of records emerging in the United States. This period marked a pivotal moment in the family's history, as the Buckner name became more prevalent and established itself within American society. Meanwhile, traces of the surname continued to appear in England and other regions, showcasing the family's ongoing connections across the Atlantic.

In the 20th century, the Buckner surname continued to reflect its global spread, with families maintaining their presence in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The evolution of the Buckner family tree illustrates a rich tapestry of ancestry that spans continents and centuries, revealing a diverse lineage that has adapted and thrived in various environments.

Where to Find Buckner Genealogy Records Today

In the 21st century, the Buckner surname remains active, with genealogical records reflecting a diverse and widespread family network. The modern landscape features numerous branches of the Buckner family spread across multiple countries, particularly in the United States and England. Readers are encouraged to explore the YourRoots database to uncover their own connections to the Buckner family tree and to discover the rich history that continues to evolve.

Famous People with Buckner (and Their Family Tree)

Bill Buckner

Bill Buckner

Bill Buckner was a prominent American MLB first baseman and left fielder whose career spanned four decades from 1969 to 1990. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Buckner played for teams like the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. He won the National League batting title in 1980 with a .324 average and was named an All-Star the following year. Buckner led the league in doubles and set record assists for first basemen, with his 1985 American League record of 184 assists still standing. Despite his infamous error in the 1986 World Series, Buckner retired with 2,715 hits and 498 doubles, later becoming a real estate developer and Minor League coach.

Born in Vallejo, California, Bill Buckner was raised in American Canyon alongside his siblings Bob, Jim, and Jan by their parents Leonard and Marie Katherine Buckner. His father passed away in 1966, leaving Marie, a stenographer for the California Highway Patrol, to raise the children. Buckner excelled in both baseball and football at Napa High School, earning All-State and All-America honors. Initially considering higher education, Buckner chose to pursue a professional baseball career after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968.

Susan Buckner

Susan Buckner

Susan Buckner, born January 28, 1952, in Seattle, was an accomplished American actress, dancer, and beauty pageant winner. She gained recognition as Miss Washington in 1971, becoming a top ten finalist in the Miss America 1972 pageant. Her entertainment career flourished with roles such as cheerleader Patty Simcox in the iconic 1978 film "Grease." Buckner also showcased her talents on "The Dean Martin Show," "The Mac Davis Show," and "The Brady Bunch Variety Hour." Her career shifted as she prioritized family, raising two children following her marriage to Michael R. Josephs from 1979 to 1997. Buckner passed away on May 2, 2024, in Miami, Florida, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Simon Bolivar Buckner

Simon Bolivar Buckner

Simon Bolivar Buckner was a prominent American soldier, Confederate military officer, and politician known for his roles in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. As the 30th governor of Kentucky, Buckner's tenure was marked by his efforts to maintain neutrality during the Civil War and his notable vetoes against special interest legislation. He was also a significant figure in the political landscape, running for Vice President with the National Democratic Party in 1896. His military and political careers, alongside his association with key historical events like the Battle of Fort Donelson and the Hatfield–McCoy feud, contribute to his enduring legacy.

Simon B. Buckner was born at Glen Lily, near Munfordville, Kentucky, to Aylett Hartswell and Elizabeth Ann (Morehead) Buckner. His father was an iron worker who moved the family to southern Muhlenberg County to start an iron-making business. Buckner's early education took place in Munfordville and Greenville, before attending the Christian County Seminary in Hopkinsville. His family background and upbringing in Kentucky significantly shaped his life and career.

DeForest Buckner

DeForest Buckner

DeForest George Buckner, born March 17, 1994, is a prominent American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He gained recognition for his exceptional performances with the San Francisco 49ers, highlighted by a Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro honor in 2019. Buckner continued his success with the Colts, earning first-team All-Pro in 2020 and Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2023. His college career at the University of Oregon also marked him as a standout player, being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2015.

Buckner's heritage includes a Samoan mother and an African American father, and he was raised in Hawaii. He attended Punahou School in Honolulu, where he excelled in both football and basketball, earning the title of Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year in basketball in 2012.

Brentson Buckner

Brentson Buckner

Brentson André Buckner is a renowned American football coach and former NFL defensive tackle, known for his impactful career both on and off the field. Born on September 30, 1971, Buckner played college football at Clemson University, earning first-team All-ACC honors. His NFL journey began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he later played for the Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Carolina Panthers, where he was pivotal in leading the team to Super Bowl XXXVIII. Transitioning to coaching, Buckner served as a defensive line coach for teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars, showcasing his expertise and leadership in the NFL.

Buckner and his wife, Denise, have a family comprising two daughters, Nia and Nya, and a son, Brandon, along with an older son, Brentson Jr.

Buckner Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Buckner" is associated with a range of notable individuals across various fields, including sports, the military, arts, and academia, primarily in the United States and England. It has historical significance with figures such as Simon Bolivar Buckner, a Confederate general, and Charles Buckner, a British Royal Navy admiral, indicating its longstanding presence in military and public service roles.

VIEW MORE

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Buckner

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Buckner family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Buckner surname to learn more.

VIEW MORE

About YourRoots

Family Tree Map

Explore your family tree geographically

Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.

Powerful tools like “Trace Back To Me” instantly map your family’s migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.

LEARN MORE
AI Genealogy Research

Discover ancestors beyond “end-of-line” automatically

Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans “end-of-line” ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.

Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you’re away.

LEARN MORE
DNA Match

Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests

Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.

View your matches’ maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you’ll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.

LEARN MORE
Ancestry Reports

Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others

Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.

  • Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
  • Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
  • Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
LEARN MORE