Surname Rowbery - Meaning and Origin

Rowbery: What does the surname Rowbery mean?

The surname Rowbery is of English origin, specifically from the West Midlands region. It is considered as a locational surname, indicating that it initially referred to the geographic location where the bearer lived or held land. The term "Rowbery" seems to encompass two Old English words - “roe” that refers to a type of deer and “bury” relating to a fortified place or a place of refuge. Thus it might be referring to a place that served as a refuge for roe deer. However, the precise location referred to by "Rowbery" is difficult to determine, as the evolution of language and place-names over centuries can obscure original meanings. Like many surnames, its spelling has seen multiple variations over time including Rowberry, Rowberrie, Rowbury, among others. As with all surnames, a specific interpretation can be difficult as the meaning or reference may have changed or evolved over centuries.

Rowbery: Where does the name Rowbery come from?

The surname Rowbery is most common in England and Ireland today. A study conducted by the Global Surname project found that the surname had its highest frequency in the south-central part of England, and in northwestern Ireland.

In England, the Rowbery surname is most commonly found in Norfolk, with some surnames popping up in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire. In Ireland, the surname is most commonly found in Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Donegal, Limerick, Clare, and Galway, with fewer occurrences in Waterford and Sligo.

Rowbery is also listed as a surname in the United States, though much less common than in the UK and Ireland. Populations with the Rowbery surname can also be found in Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean. The obscure origin of the surname has caused several variations across these populations, including Rowberry, Rawberry, Rouberry, and Roubarry.

Those with the Rowbery surname often share common characteristics, such as being highly creative, having a great sense of humor, and a strong affinity for animals. They are also known for their caring personalities, empathy, and unwavering loyalty.

Variations of the surname Rowbery

The surname Rowbery is derived from the Old English personal name of ‘Hrodbeorht,' which is a combination of two words – ‘Hrod’, meaning ‘renown’, and ‘beorht’, meaning ‘bright’ or ‘illustrious.’ The spelling and variants of this surname include Rorby, Robby, Robery, Robury, Rohbrey, Rowborough, Rowberry, Rowbery, Rubury, and Ruffbery.

Most of the variants and spellings among these surnames have been derived from the same root, with minor dialectic modifications. In some cases, these surnames have been Anglicized due to migration or limited literacy. For instance, the spelling Rohbrey may have been derived from the dialectal version of the name, and Robury from the French version.

It is possible to find Rowbery surnames in various European countries but more commonly in England and Scotland. They are also traditionally found in Ireland. Records of the Rowberry surname date back to 1546 and can be found in English and Welsh court records. The spelling Ruffbery is especially found in Scotland, and Roebry also appears to be present in Canada.

Overall, Rowbery surnames are fairly common and can be found in various forms across the globe. Though the variations have been incorporated, the root of the original name remains unchanged, as homage to the family’s history.

Famous people with the name Rowbery

1.Sam Rowbery: Sam Rowbery was a former professional English footballer who played for several clubs including Yeovil, Torquay, and Hereford. He currently works as the head of community at Hereford FC. 2.Michael Rowbery: Michael Rowbery is an American commercial photographer and lyric video director. He is known for his creative work in advertising and music videos. 3.Sarah Rowbery: Sarah Rowbery is an English actress best known for her roles as Lizzie Banks in BBC’s British drama Albion: The Enchanted Stallion and as Donna Volpe in the soap opera EastEnders. 4.Luke Rowbery: Luke Rowbery is an award-winning British film director, cinematographer and producer. He has directed a number of short films such as The Drawing of the Three, Closer, and States of Siege. 5.Charles Rowbery: Charles Rowbery is a British film and television producer. He has produced work for Sky TV along with producing, directing, editing and shooting documentary short films. 6.Brett Rowbery: Brett Rowbery is an American professional lacrosse player who played for the Rochester Rattlers in Major League Lacrosse and the Chesapeake Bayhawks for the National Lacrosse League. 7.Dawn Rowbery: Dawn Rowbery is an American attorney and advocate for youth in the juvenile justice system. She is the founder of the California Center on Youth and Justice and the Safe Lockdown program that seeks to reduce violence in schools. 8.Murray Rowbery: Murray Rowbery was an Australian football (soccer) player who played for the South Melbourne FC and the Australia national team. He was part of the Australian team at the 1974 FIFA World Cup. 9.Dave Rowbery: Dave Rowbery was a former Welsh professional footballer who played for clubs such as Wrexham and Hereford United during the 1970s and 80s.

Other surnames

Rowberry