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Pennington Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Pennington Surname

The Pennington surname traces its origins to England, specifically Pennington in Cumbria. This place-based surname, historically spelled as Pennigetun, points to a family lineage dating back to the late 11th century. The name likely combines the British word "pennig," meaning little hill, and the Saxon word "ton," meaning town, reflecting the geographical features of the area.

The Pennington family first appears in historical records such as the Domesday Book, listed as part of the Manor of Hougun. Over the centuries, the Pennington name spread from its roots in Cumbria to other regions including Surrey, London, Yorkshire, Hampshire, and eventually North America. By the 12th century, the Pennington name had evolved, establishing significant family lines and intertwining through marriages and alliances.

YourRoots dataset insights affirm the Pennington surname's emergence in England during the 12th century and its subsequent spread. The data highlights the family's expansion across England by the 14th century, with the surname gaining prominence as the family established itself in various regions. The 17th and 18th centuries saw many Penningtons migrate to the United States, diversifying their genealogical narrative.

Today, Pennington genealogy records reveal a vibrant and widespread presence, particularly in the United States. YourRoots provides a valuable resource for those exploring their Pennington family tree, offering connections that span continents and centuries. This rich historical tapestry is a testament to the Pennington family's enduring legacy and adaptability.

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Tracing Your Pennington Family Lineage

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

The earliest known appearance of the Pennington surname can be traced back to England during the 12th century. This period marks the genesis of family tree beginnings for individuals bearing this name, providing a significant connection to the genealogical origins of the Pennington line. The surname likely evolved from a place name, indicating a geographical link to the family’s roots in England.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Pennington

Throughout the early centuries, the Pennington family began to establish itself in various regions of England, particularly in areas where landownership and agriculture were prominent. The surname's presence became more pronounced by the 14th century, with significant family lines emerging in counties such as Lancashire and Yorkshire. These families gradually built branches of their family trees, intertwining through marriages and local alliances, which enriched their genealogical narratives.

As the Pennington family continued to expand during the 15th century, the surname gained further recognition, contributing to a more extensive family network. By the 16th century, this expansion paved the way for many descendants to migrate and seek opportunities beyond their ancestral homeland. This early migration laid the groundwork for the family's later developments across the sea.

Tracing the Pennington Family Tree Through the Centuries

The Pennington surname saw significant expansion across various regions as families migrated throughout the centuries. By the 17th century, many Pennington families had settled in the United States, a trend that continued into the 18th century as more individuals sought new lives in America. This movement not only diversified the family tree but also connected the Pennington lineage to a broader array of cultures and histories.

In the 19th century, a notable surge in the Pennington surname in the United States indicated a thriving community, reflecting the family’s adaptability and resilience in the face of new challenges. As the 20th century progressed, descendants of the Pennington family continued to spread across various states, contributing to the surname's global presence. This rich tapestry of migration and settlement illustrates the dynamic nature of the Pennington family tree.

Where to Find Pennington Genealogy Records Today

In modern centuries, the Pennington surname is widely distributed, especially in the United States, where it has established a vibrant presence. In the early 21st century, descendants of the Pennington family can be found in numerous regions, reflecting a diverse and interconnected lineage. For those interested in exploring their own Pennington genealogy, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of records that can help connect personal family trees to this rich historical background.

Famous People with Pennington (and Their Family Tree)

Ty Pennington

Ty Pennington, born Gary Tygert Burton on October 19, 1964, is a renowned American television host, artist, and carpenter, widely recognized for hosting the popular ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from 2003 to 2012. He began his career as a carpenter on TLC's Trading Spaces and has since expanded his influence across various TV shows, including Ty Breaker and Rock The Block on HGTV. Pennington's dedication and hands-on skills have earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards, making him a household name in home renovation television.

Born to Yvonne Vickery, Pennington's early life was shaped when his mother separated from his father and later remarried, leading to his and his brother Wynn's adoption by their stepfather, taking on the Pennington surname. Ty also claims partial Cherokee descent.

Raquel Pennington

Raquel Pennington is a renowned American mixed martial artist, primarily competing in the UFC Women's Bantamweight division. She is notable for being a former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion and is ranked #1 in the UFC women's bantamweight rankings as of October 2024. Pennington's mixed martial arts career began at 19, with an early professional debut in 2012. She gained prominence on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate, earning "Fight of the Season" honors. Her career highlights include victories against notable fighters like Miesha Tate and Jéssica Andrade, and she has been a key figure in the UFC, participating in historic events such as the first UFC headline featuring two openly gay fighters.

Janice Pennington

Janice Maurine Pennington, born on July 8, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, is renowned as the longest-serving model on "The Price Is Right," where she worked from its inception in 1972 until 2000. A notable figure in the entertainment industry, Pennington gained significant recognition as Playboy's Playmate of the Month in May 1971. She co-founded the Hollywood Film Festival and was part of a music group called The Models. Her career highlights include her tenure on "The Price Is Right," where she appeared in over 5,000 shows, and her roles alongside hosts Dennis James and Tom Kennedy during the show's syndication runs.

Janice Pennington's familial connections include her younger sister, Ann Pennington, who is also a model. Her personal life saw her married three times, with her second husband, Friedrich "Fritz" Stammberger, tragically disappearing in Afghanistan in 1975. Her third marriage was to writer Carlos de Abreu, a native of Mozambique.

Chad Pennington

Chad Pennington, born on June 26, 1976, is a former NFL quarterback known for his precision and leadership. He played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New York Jets and later the Miami Dolphins. Pennington was the league leader in completion percentage twice and once in passer rating, helping both the Jets and Dolphins secure division titles. A Marshall University alumnus, Pennington excelled in college football, winning the Sammy Baugh Trophy and setting multiple records, including leading his team to an undefeated season in 1999. Post-retirement, he became the head coach at Sayre School in Lexington, Kentucky.

Chad Pennington hails from Tennessee, born to Elwood, a physical education teacher and football coach, and Denise, a teacher. Both parents worked in Knoxville and are of English descent. His early experiences in sports were influenced significantly by his father's coaching and his mother's academic support, shaping his path towards a successful football career.

Mary Engle Pennington

Mary Engle Pennington was a pioneering American bacteriological chemist, food scientist, and refrigeration engineer, known for her groundbreaking work in perishable food preservation. As the first female lab chief at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, she was instrumental in developing safe processing standards for poultry and improving milk sanitation. Pennington's innovations in refrigerated transport and home refrigeration significantly advanced food safety. She received numerous accolades, including the Notable Service Medal and the Garvin-Olin Medal, and was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame.

Born on October 8, 1872, in Nashville, Tennessee, Mary Engle Pennington was the daughter of Henry and Sarah Malony Pennington. Her family moved to Philadelphia to be near her mother's Quaker relatives, fostering an environment that encouraged her early interest in chemistry.

Pennington Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Pennington" originates from Pennington, Cumbria, and was first recorded in the Domesday Book of the late 11th century as "Pennigetun." The name likely derives from the British word "pennig" meaning "little hill" and the Saxon word "ton" meaning "town." The Pennington family has historical significance, with connections to the Manor of Hougun and Muncaster Castle, and has played a notable role in English history since before the Norman Conquest.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Pennington

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 Pennington family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Pennington surname to learn more.