Canterbury Surname

The History of the Surname Canterbury

The surname Canterbury is a fascinating and unique name with a rich history. It has been traced back to various countries around the world, with the highest incidence in the United States. Let's delve into the origins and significance of this intriguing surname.

Origins of the Name

The surname Canterbury is believed to have originated from the Old English word "Cantwara-burh," which means "fortress of the Cantware." The Cantware were a group of people who inhabited the region of Kent in England during the early medieval period.

It is thought that the surname Canterbury was used to distinguish individuals who hailed from or had connections to the city of Canterbury, which was an important religious and cultural center in medieval England. Over time, the name became associated with families who lived in or around the city.

Spread of the Surname

The surname Canterbury has spread to various countries around the world, with the highest incidence in the United States. According to data, there are 5,614 individuals with the surname Canterbury in the US. This suggests that the name has become quite common among American families.

Other countries where the surname Canterbury is found include South Africa (315 individuals), Guyana (158 individuals), England (154 individuals), New Zealand (117 individuals), Australia (72 individuals), Wales (33 individuals), Suriname (28 individuals), Canada (26 individuals), and Trinidad and Tobago (19 individuals), among others.

While the name is most prevalent in the US, it has also made its way to countries across Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. This suggests that the name has traveled far and wide over the centuries, likely due to migration and the spread of English culture.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Canterbury

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Canterbury. One such individual is Thomas Becket, also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 12th century. He is remembered for his conflict with King Henry II over the rights of the Church and was ultimately martyred in Canterbury Cathedral.

Another prominent figure with the surname Canterbury is Christopher Marlowe, an English playwright and poet who lived during the Elizabethan era. Marlowe is best known for his works such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine," which have had a lasting impact on English literature.

More recently, individuals with the surname Canterbury have made contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, and entertainment. Their achievements serve as a testament to the diverse and talented individuals who carry the name.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Canterbury is a unique and historically significant name that has been passed down through generations across different countries. Its origins in medieval England and association with the city of Canterbury have shaped its meaning and significance over the centuries. The spread of the name to various parts of the world reflects the global nature of human migration and cultural exchange. Overall, the surname Canterbury remains a symbol of heritage, identity, and connection for families around the world.

The surname Canterbury into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same takes place in the case of Canterbury, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in a lot of the countries of the globe. Just as there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Canterbury is more than in other countries.

The map associated with Canterbury surname

View Canterbury surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Canterbury on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we could begin to see the tangible number of people with all the surname Canterbury, to acquire this way the precise information of all Canterbury that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not merely in which the surname Canterbury arises from, but also in excatly what way the individuals that are initially the main household that bears the surname Canterbury have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Canterbury is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries of the world it's possible this 1 of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Canterbury in the world

  1. United States United States (5614)
  2. South Africa South Africa (315)
  3. Guyana Guyana (158)
  4. England England (154)
  5. New Zealand New Zealand (117)
  6. Australia Australia (72)
  7. Wales Wales (33)
  8. Suriname Suriname (28)
  9. Canada Canada (26)
  10. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (19)
  11. Mexico Mexico (11)
  12. France France (9)
  13. Monaco Monaco (3)
  14. Brazil Brazil (2)
  15. Ireland Ireland (2)
  16. Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts and Nevis (1)
  17. Kuwait Kuwait (1)
  18. Malaysia Malaysia (1)
  19. Singapore Singapore (1)
  20. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (1)
  21. Czech Republic Czech Republic (1)
  22. Scotland Scotland (1)
  23. Italy Italy (1)
  24. Jamaica Jamaica (1)