Last Name Autry

The surname "Autry" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Eilifr" or the Old English personal name "Æþelrīc," which both mean "noble ruler." Over time, the name evolved and eventually became "Autry." It is believed to have originated from the medieval period and became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. The name Autry can often be found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Autry

The meaning and origin of the last name Autry

The surname Autry is of English origin and is derived from the Old French personal name "Aubri," itself a variant of "Alberi," which comes from the Germanic elements "alb," meaning "elf or supernatural being," and "ric," meaning "ruler or power." The name was introduced to England by the Normans after the 1066 Norman Conquest and subsequently adopted as a surname. Over time, variations such as Aubrey and Albery emerged. The name Autry is a modern variant that has been predominantly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states. Notable individuals with this surname include the famous American singing cowboy, Gene Autry, and his family members who have continued to carry the name and contribute to its legacy. The surname Autry indicates a connection to a medieval personal name and holds historical significance in the realm of music and entertainment.

Geographical distribution of the last name Autry

The last name Autry is primarily found in the United States and is relatively concentrated in certain regions. It has its origins in the British Isles and was brought to America by immigrants. Currently, the highest concentration of individuals with the Autry surname can be found in the southern states, particularly in Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Georgia. These states have historical ties to the early settlements and migrations that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, Autrys can also be found scattered throughout other states across the country, though in smaller numbers. The distribution of the Autry surname also extends beyond the United States, with some individuals carrying the name residing in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Autry reflects historical patterns of migration and settlement in the United States, with concentrations in the southern states.

Variants and spellings of the last name Autry

The last name Autry has a few variations and spellings. One possible variation is Autrey, which is a phonetic variation of the original name. Another variation is Autrie, which may have originated from a different dialect or accent. Additionally, variations such as Autree and Awtry can also be found. These variations could have been the result of misspellings or the individual family's preference for a particular spelling. Furthermore, Autrey and Autry can also be considered as alternate spellings of the same name. It is not uncommon for surnames to undergo changes over time due to different factors like migration, immigration, or simply personal preference. These variations and spellings showcase the flexibility and evolution of surnames throughout history, ultimately contributing to the diverse tapestry of family names we encounter today.

Famous people with the last name Autry

Gene Autry was a multi-talented American entertainer, known as "The Singing Cowboy." Born Orvon Grover Autry, he achieved great success not only as a singer and songwriter but also as an actor, investor, and professional baseball team owner. Autry was widely recognized for his golden voice and his contributions to the Western genre in film and television. He starred in numerous movies, such as "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and "Riders of the Whistling Pines," becoming one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Autry's recordings of songs like "Back in the Saddle Again" and "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" are still beloved today. Beyond his entertainment career, Autry was revered as a philanthropist and promoter of individual and civil rights. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Genealogical research on the last name Autry

The Autry surname has its roots in Old English, derived from the personal name "Ealdgryth," meaning "noble and peaceful," or "Alldred," meaning "old counsel." The Autry family has a long history that can be traced back to medieval England, where they were originally settled. Over time, the Autry name spread to other parts of Europe, including Ireland and France.

In the 18th century, some members of the Autry family migrated to the United States, particularly to the southern states, notably North Carolina and Georgia. They established themselves as skilled farmers and traders in their new homeland. As the United States expanded westward, so did the Autry family, with branches settling in other states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas.

The most notable Autry in American history is the beloved entertainer, musician, and actor Gene Autry, who became famous for his role as the "Singing Cowboy" in Western films and television shows during the mid-20th century. His career spanned decades and made him an icon of popular culture.

Today, the Autry surname continues to be found throughout the United States and in various parts of the world, with descendants proudly continuing their family legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Autry"
• 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

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