Last Name Asbury

The last name Asbury has its origins in England. It is derived from the place name Asbury, which is located in the counties of Nottinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The name Asbury is believed to be derived from the Old English words "aesc" meaning "ash tree" and "burh" meaning "fortress" or "stronghold." Over time, it evolved into the surname Asbury, which was originally used to denote someone who lived near or was from Asbury.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Asbury

The surname Asbury has its origin in England and derives from the Old English personal name "Asce", meaning "spear." The name was combined with the word "burh," which translates to "fortress" or "town," to create the compound name "Asceburh." Over time, this name transformed into various spellings, including Ashbury, Asbury, and Astbury. Asbury, the modern spelling, emerged as a variant mostly found in the West Midlands region of England.

The Asbury surname likely started as a locational name, indicating that the bearer resided in or near a place called Asbury or Ashbury. These place names can still be found in several locations across England, such as the village of Asbury in Gloucestershire. As families moved and migrated, many individuals adopted their hometown names as surnames. Today, individuals with the surname Asbury can be found in different parts of the world due to migrations and the spread of English-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Asbury

The last name Asbury is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Asbury can be found in the states of Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio. These states have historical ties to the Asbury family, with many individuals tracing their ancestry back to early settlers in the region. In the United Kingdom, the distribution of the Asbury surname is spread across various regions, with a significant presence in areas such as Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire. These regions were traditional hubs for coal mining and industrial activity, which likely influenced the dispersion of the surname. While the surname Asbury may have a broader distribution within English-speaking countries, it remains relatively less common in other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns and naming practices.

Variants and spellings of the last name Asbury

The last name Asbury has a few variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse ways in which it has been recorded through history. One of the most common variations is Ashbury, where the "b" is replaced by an "sh," giving it a slightly softer sound. Another frequent variation is Asberry, where the "u" is replaced by an "e," maintaining a similar pronunciation. The name could also be spelled Asberrie or Ashberrie, with an extra "e" added at the end for an alternative aesthetic. Additionally, some less common variations include Asburry, Asberi, and Ashburie. These variations could have originated from different regions or centuries, where local dialects or pronunciations influenced the spelling changes. Nonetheless, despite these spelling and pronunciation differences, all of the variations ultimately refer to individuals and families who share a common ancestry rooted in the surname Asbury.

Famous people with the last name Asbury

There is limited information available on famous individuals with the last name Asbury, but one notable figure from history is Francis Asbury. Born in 1745 in England, Asbury is known for his pivotal role in the spread of Methodism in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was a prominent religious leader and an early bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Asbury traveled extensively, covering great distances on horseback to spread the Methodist faith across the American colonies. His dedication and perseverance in preaching and establishing churches made him a key figure in the growth of the Methodist movement in America. Asbury's commitment to his beliefs and his influential role in the Methodist church cemented his place in history as an important figure in the religious landscape of the United States.

Genealogical research on the last name Asbury

The surname Asbury has English origins and can be traced back to various historical records. The earliest documented use of the name can be found in the manor of Ashbury, Berkshire, England in the 13th century. Over time, variations of the spelling emerged, including Asbery, Asbory, and Asbary. The name likely originated from the Old English word "ash" meaning "ash tree" and "burh" meaning "fortress" or "stronghold," suggesting a possible ancestral association with a fortified dwelling near an ash tree. It is believed that those who carried the Asbury name were either occupants of the manor or individuals who migrated from Ashbury to other regions in England. As immigration took place, the name spread to other English-speaking countries. Today, individuals with the surname Asbury can be found around the world, with notable branches of the family having settled in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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

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