Dabney Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Dabney come from? What does the surname Dabney mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Dabney and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Dabney Origin: What does the last name Dabney mean?
The surname Dabney has English origins, with records dating back to the early 16th century. It is believed to have been associated with England during the 16th and 17th centuries, showing significant growth during that period. The name Dabney also has historical connections to the United States, indicating a link between the surname and these countries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Dabney surname in the United States, with a notable increase in records by the 20th century. This surname has a global presence, with instances found in various countries beyond the United States, highlighting its widespread distribution over time.
Dabney Last Name History: Where did the last name Dabney come from?
Origin of Dabney Surname: Where does the last name Dabney originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Dabney first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Dabney spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Dabney: What does the Dabney surname history look like in the early days?
The Dabney surname remained closely associated with England in the 16th and 17th centuries, with significant growth observed during these periods. YourRoots data also shows Dabney family records in the United States, indicating a historical connection between the surname and these countries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Dabney surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Dabney surname grew significantly in the United States. The Dabney surname remains prominent in the United States and can also be found in various other countries, showcasing its global presence.
Explore Dabney last name heritage and Dabney surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Dabney Surame?
Ted Dabney
Samuel Frederick "Ted" Dabney Jr. (May 2, 1937 – May 26, 2018) was an American electrical engineer and co-founder of Atari, Inc., known for developing video circuitry principles for arcade games like Pong. He started his career at Hewlett-Packard before founding Atari with Nolan Bushnell. Despite leaving Atari due to disagreements, Dabney continued working in the computer industry and even started his own video game company. His contributions to the early days of video gaming have had a lasting impact on the industry.
Augusta Dabney
Augusta Keith Dabney (October 23, 1918 – February 4, 2008) was an American actress best known for her roles in various soap operas, including the daytime series Loving as Isabelle Alden. She appeared in many other popular soaps like General Hospital, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns. Dabney also had a successful Broadway career, with her debut in 1938 and final appearance in 1995. She was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the film That Night! Dabney was married to actors Kevin McCarthy and William Prince and continued acting until her last appearance in 2001.
Robert Lewis Dabney
Robert Lewis Dabney (Mar 5, 1820 – Jan 3, 1898) was a Southern Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and architect from Virginia. He served as Stonewall Jackson's chief of staff and biographer during the American Civil War. Dabney's writings on theology and philosophy still influence some conservative Presbyterians today, despite controversy over his beliefs in support of white supremacy and slavery. Known for his architectural designs of several churches in Virginia, Dabney's legacy includes works like "A Defense of Virginia" and "Life of General Thomas J. Jackson." His contributions to church architecture and theological thought continue to be studied and debated in academic circles.
Virginius Dabney
Virginius Dabney (February 8, 1901 – December 28, 1995) was an American teacher, journalist, and writer known for editing the Richmond Times-Dispatch and winning the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 1948. He was a progressive voice opposing the Ku Klux Klan, the poll tax, and the Byrd Organization in Virginia. Dabney later became the first Rector of Virginia Commonwealth University and authored several historical books, including "Mr. Jefferson's University: A History." His career spanned from the 1920s to the 1980s, covering topics ranging from civil rights to Virginia history.
Ford Dabney
Ford Thompson Dabney (15 Mar 1883 – 6 Jun 1958) was an American ragtime pianist, composer, and songwriter. He was acclaimed for directing bands and orchestras for Broadway musical theater and early recordings. Dabney is best known for his jazz standard "That's Why They Call Me Shine" and his contribution to the evolution of jazz from ragtime and blues. He also owned a theater in Washington, D.C., and collaborated with key figures like James Reese Europe. Dabney's legacy in music and theater continues to influence and inspire artists to this day.
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