The name Stoney has its origins rooted in the Old English language, derived from the word "stān," which means "stone" or "rock." This name emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period, spanning from the 5th to the 11th century AD, when England was inhabited by Germanic tribes.

In those times, surnames were often descriptive, reflecting a person's occupation, physical characteristics, or the place they lived. The name Stoney likely referred to someone who lived near a rocky or stony area, or perhaps worked with stone as a mason or quarryman.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Stoney can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and properties in England commissioned by William the Conquer in 1086. This historical record mentions a landowner named "Stoney" residing in the county of Wiltshire.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Stoney. One of the most prominent was George Johnstone Stoney (1826-1911), an Irish physicist and mathematician who introduced the concept of the "electron" as a fundamental unit of electricity in 1874, decades before its experimental discovery.

Another significant figure was George Stoney (1835-1911), an Irish civil engineer and architect who designed several notable structures in Dublin, including the Shelbourne Hotel and the Royal College of Science for Ireland (now part of University College Dublin).

In the field of literature, Stoney Calhoun (1877-1949) was an American author best known for his collection of short stories titled "The Eternal Crossroads," which explored the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life in the early 20th century.

The name Stoney also appears in military history with Major General Stanford Stoney (1903-1995), a highly decorated British Army officer who served in both World War I and World War II, receiving the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross for his bravery and leadership.

Lastly, Stoney St. Clair (1914-1989) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader who performed with some of the most influential musicians of his time, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz music.