The History and Significance of the Atterbury Surname
Atterbury is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the place name "Attenborough", which is found in several locations in England, including Attenborough in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. The name likely means "settlement of a man called Eadulf or Eadwold", with Eadulf or Eadwold being Old English names composed of "ead" meaning "rich" and "wold" meaning "forest".
One notable bearer of the Atterbury surname was Francis Atterbury (1662-1732), an English bishop and scholar who served as the Bishop of Rochester from 1708 until his death. He was known for his strong Tory political views and his support for the Church of England.
In terms of geographical distribution, the Atterbury surname is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. It is also found in other parts of the United Kingdom, such as Scotland and Wales, as well as in other English-speaking countries around the world.
Overall, the Atterbury surname is a name with a rich history and cultural significance, and it continues to be carried by people around the world who are proud of their heritage and ancestry.