Surname Pennie - Meaning and Origin
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Pennie: What does the surname Pennie mean?
The surname Pennie is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the personal name "Penig," which in Old English means "penny." This nickname was probably given to someone who was considered of little value or someone who dealt with money, like a merchant or moneylender. The surname was first found in Yorkshire, England during the Middle Ages. It is also possible that the name originated from the topographical term "pen," meaning "hill," describing someone who lived near a prominent hill. Over time, spelling variations including Penny, Penney, and Pennie emerged. Today, the name is found in many parts of the English-speaking world.
Order DNA origin analysisPennie: Where does the name Pennie come from?
The last name Pennie is most common in the United Kingdom and Ireland, particularly in the England. According to the Surname Database, the name Pennie was most common in Lancashire in England in the 19th century. It is also popular in some other countries, including Canada, Germany, Austria, and South Africa.
The Pennie family is considered an old English surname and is associated with the northern English Pennines mountain range. Traditionally, the name was used as a nickname for people with a pleasant temperament and was derived from Old English words penning, which means "enclosure, fence".
The name Pennie is also found in Scotland and Wales, with a variety of spellings, such as Penney, Peny, Penny, Penni, and Pinni. In many cases, the spelling of the name was changed in the United States upon immigration.
Today, the name is still most commonly found in England and Ireland. However, it is also growing in popularity in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, it is likely to be found around the world as a result of global migrations. Thus, the last name Pennie is now quite common today in many different countries, with several spelling variations.
Variations of the surname Pennie
Pennie, Penney, Pennys, and Penny are the most common variants and different spellings of the same surname. Other variants may include Penne, Pennesse, Penner, Pennine, Pennell, and Pennyman, among others.
Pennie is generally thought to be an Anglo-Saxon surname that originates from the name “Penne,” from the Old English word for “headland” or “hill.”
The surname is also believed to have its roots in Welsh, which could be attributed to Welsh coastal towns such as Penarth, Pembroke, and Porthcawl. This surname is thought to have first originated before the Norman Conquest in Britain in 1066 and is associated with agriculture, as well as areas of natural beauty.
Pennie is also a found a few other places around Great Britain, including Scotland and Ireland. The Scottish variant of the surname is spelt “Pennie” or “Pennys,” while the Irish spelling, which is thought to be derived from the Gaelic in the past, is “Penney,” or “Pennhy.”
The surname “Pennie” is not as common today as it once was, but the spelling still stands as a family name for some. The “Penny” spelling is more widely used today.
Overall, the Pennie, Pennys, Penney, Pennesse, Penner, Pennine, Pennell, and Pennyman surnames all appear to have the same origin story. The spelling of the surname may have changed through the generations, due to multiple languages and dialects, but the heritage and meaning of the name is still apparent.
Famous people with the name Pennie
- Sean Penn: Award-winning actor who has appeared in critically-acclaimed films such as Mystic River and Milk.
- Melissa Pennie: Canadian English actress, known for starring in films such as Josie and the Pussycats and Freddy vs. Jason.
- Dorothy Pennie: American soprano noted for her roles in Edwardian musical comedies and operettas.
- Arthur Pennie: Scottish actor, dancer, and puppeteer.
- John Pennie: English actor and presenter, best known for the crime drama series Minder.
- David Pennie: American actor, noted for his roles in films such as Cheaper by the Dozen and Hannah Montana: The Movie.
- Laurie Pennie: Australian singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her albums such as What Difference Does It Make? and Idolize Me.
- Simon Pennie: English television writer, known for his work in shows such as EastEnders and Shame.
- Richard Pennie: English vocalist and songwriter, most known for playing keyboards and singing backing vocals for the band The Divine Comedy.
- James Pennie: Canadian-American actor and filmmaker, known for his roles in films such as Soccer Dog and Snow Day.