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Last Name Impey

What is the origin of the last name Impey?

The last name "Impey" is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the medieval given name Imbert, which itself comes from the Old German name "Iminberht." The name likely originated as a personal name in medieval England and evolved into a surname over time. Variations of the surname include Impey, Impe, and Imbery. The name may have been brought to England by Norman conquerors during the 11th century.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Impey

The meaning and origin of the last name Impey

The surname Impey is of English origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Imbert" or "Imbertus", itself derived from the Germanic name "Imbrecht" or "Imberht", meaning "bright or famous warrior". The name eventually evolved into Impey and was first recorded in England in the 12th century. The Impey family has a long history in the British Isles and has been documented in various records and documents over the centuries. Today, individuals with the surname Impey can be found in various English-speaking countries around the world, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The name Impey is a reminder of the family's ancient roots and the warrior ancestors from whom they are descended.

Geographical distribution of the last name Impey

Impey is a surname with English origins, commonly found in the United Kingdom. However, due to historical migrations and colonial influences, the surname can also be found in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Canada. In the United States, Impey is a less common surname, mainly concentrated in regions with significant British settlement, such as the East Coast and Midwest. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Impey is spread across various English-speaking countries, with a higher concentration in areas with ties to British colonial history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Impey

Impey is a surname that can have several variations and spellings, including Impey, Impe, Imppy, Impea, Impeee, Impy, Impie, and Imp. These variations may have originated from different regions or countries where the name was used. The spelling of the surname may have been altered over time due to changes in pronunciation or different dialects. Impey is a relatively uncommon surname, so it is possible that the variations and spellings have evolved organically without a standardized form. Despite the different ways the name can be spelled, all variations ultimately trace back to the same family line and share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Impey

One famous individual with the last name Impey is Sir Elijah Impey, an English judge and first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William in Calcutta, India. He is known for his controversial role in the trial of Maharaja Nanda Kumar, which sparked significant public outrage and led to his impeachment attempts by the British Parliament in 1787. Another well-known figure with the surname Impey is Kirsten Impey, a South African musician and composer who has gained recognition for her work in the classical and electronic music genres. With a diverse range of talents and contributions to their respective fields, these individuals with the last name Impey have made a lasting impact in history and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Impey

The surname Impey is of English origin, and is believed to be derived from the Old French personal name "Imbert," which in turn comes from the Old Germanic name "Ingelbert." The name Impey can be traced back to the early 13th century in England, with records showing a William Impey residing in Suffolk during that time. Over the centuries, the Impey family spread throughout England and eventually to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Notable individuals with the surname Impey include Sir Elijah Impey, who was a British judge in India during the 18th century, and Sir Maurice Victor Impey, a former Chief Justice of Palestine. Today, those with the last name Impey can be found in various professions and industries around the world.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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