Barney

The surname Barney is of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name Barnaby, which was a variant of the Hebrew name Barnabas, meaning "son of consolation" or "son of encouragement." The name Barnaby was introduced to Britain by early Christian missionaries and became a popular name among the Anglo-Saxons.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Barney can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Barneby." This suggests that the name had already been in use as a surname by the late 11th century. During the Middle Ages, the name was often spelled in various ways, including Barnaby, Barneby, and Barnabie.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Richard Barney was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire in 1230. The Pipe Rolls were a series of financial records maintained by the English Exchequer, indicating that Richard Barney was a landholder or taxpayer during that time.

The name Barney was also associated with several place names in England, such as Barney in Norfolk, which was recorded as "Berneye" in the Domesday Book. This suggests that some individuals may have adopted the surname Barney based on their place of origin or residence.

One of the earliest known bearers of the surname Barney was Sir John Barney, who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1370. He was a prominent merchant and played a significant role in the city's affairs during his tenure.

Another notable figure with the surname Barney was Richard Barney (c. 1530-1593), an English Protestant reformer and writer. He was a staunch supporter of the Church of England and authored several works defending the Protestant faith against Catholic doctrines.

In the 17th century, Jacob Barney (1634-1690) was a prominent English Quaker and minister. He was a vocal advocate for religious freedom and traveled extensively to spread the Quaker message throughout England and the American colonies.

During the 18th century, Commodore Joshua Barney (1759-1818) was a renowned American naval officer who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and later in the United States Navy. He was known for his daring exploits and his role in defending the Chesapeake Bay region against British forces.

The surname Barney has also been associated with several literary figures, including English poet and author Nathaniel Barney (1828-1909), who wrote extensively on religious and philosophical themes, and American novelist and playwright Lewis Barney (1919-2009), known for his works exploring themes of identity and social issues.