Last Name Asberry

Learn more about the origin of the last name Asberry

The meaning and origin of the last name Asberry

The surname Asberry is an English locational surname with its origin in the village of Asbury in the county of Nottinghamshire. The village name itself derives from the Old English personal name "Æsberht" or "Æsbeorn" combined with the suffix "-ing," meaning "the people of." Therefore, Asberry translates to "the people of Æsberht" or "Æsbeorn." Over time, this locational name became a hereditary surname passed down through generations as families moved away from the original village. Asberry is a relatively uncommon surname, primarily found in the United States and United Kingdom. It is likely that individuals with the surname Asberry have ancestors who lived in or around Asbury in Nottinghamshire or descended from those who migrated to other regions, subsequently passing down the surname through their family lines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Asberry

The surname Asberry has a relatively limited geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In these areas, the name Asberry can be traced back to historical records dating back several generations. It is often associated with both African American and European American populations. While the concentration of individuals with the surname Asberry is highest in the aforementioned states, there are also smaller numbers of Asberry families found in other parts of the country, such as Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. Outside of the United States, the name Asberry is less prevalent, but can still be occasionally found in countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom, although at a significantly lower frequency. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Asberry indicates a strong connection to certain regions within the United States, with limited presence in other countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Asberry

The surname Asberry can have several variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse ways it has been recorded throughout history. These variations include Asbury, Ashbury, Hasebury, Hazeberry, and Hesbury, among others. Each spelling indicates a possible regional or historical context in which the name originated or evolved. For instance, Asbury and Ashbury are commonly found in English-speaking countries, possibly linking back to the Old English word "æsc" meaning "ash tree" and "burh" meaning "fortress" or "city." On the other hand, Hasebury and Hazeberry suggest a potential Germanic origin with the prefix "hase" or "haze" meaning "hedge" or "fence." The variation Hesbury, meanwhile, could be influenced by French or Welsh roots. These different spellings and variations highlight the fluidity and adaptability of surnames throughout time, as families moved and intermingled across cultures and linguistic boundaries.

Famous people with the last name Asberry

Asberry is a relatively uncommon surname, but it is associated with a few notable individuals. One such person is Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, an influential American blues singer from the early 20th century. Known as the "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey made significant contributions to the development of this genre and helped pave the way for future generations of Black musicians. Additionally, William Asberry Robinson, better known as Smokey Robinson, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and record producer. Smokey Robinson became famous as the founder and frontman of the Motown vocal group, The Miracles. With his smooth tenor voice and impeccable songwriting skills, Robinson not only achieved personal success but also played a crucial role in shaping the Motown sound and the evolution of popular music. These individuals, Ma Rainey and Smokey Robinson, have left an indelible mark on music history, making the name Asberry associated with talent and creativity.

Genealogical research on the last name Asberry

The surname Asberry is of English origin and has variations such as Ashbery, Asbery, Ashbury, and Asbury. It is believed to be derived from the place name Ashbury, which is a village in Oxfordshire, England. The name Ashbury can be traced back to the Old English words "æsc" meaning "ash tree" and "burh" meaning "fortress" or "stronghold."

Genealogical research suggests that the Asberry surname has ancient roots in England, with early records dating back to the 14th century. Many individuals with the Asberry name can be found in records from various counties across England, including Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Norfolk, and Staffordshire. As time passed, some members of the Asberry family migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, spreading the surname to these regions. Today, descendants of Asberry families can still be found in different countries, continuing their ancestral heritage and contributing to the diverse global Asberry family network.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Asberry"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025