Janney History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEarly Origins of the Janney familyThe surname Janney was first found in Kent, where Gilbert Genewy was listed in the Feet of Fines for 1218-1219. Years later, with other early spellings, we found Peter de Geneva 1249, de Geneweye in the Feet of Fines for Herefordshire in 1251. 1 The name was likely a nickname for someone from Genoa. "The Genoese traded much with England, both in silks and spices." 2 3 "As late as the 16th cent. a native of Genoa was called in England a Jan(e)way." 4 Early History of the Janney familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Janney research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1562, 1576, 1628, 1633, 1636, 1638, 1657, 1670, 1674, 1715, 1717 and 1787 are included under the topic Early Janney History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Janney Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Janney were recorded, including Genewy, Genway, Gannaway, Jennaway, Janaway, January, Jennery, Jeneway, Janoway, Janeway, Janaway and many more. Early Notables of the Janney familyDistinguished members of the family include James Janeway (1636-1674), a Puritan minister and children's author, second in popularity only to John Bunyan. He was the fourth son of William Janeway, and younger brother of John Janeway [q. v.], was born about the end of 1636 at... Janney RankingIn the United States, the name Janney is the 17,719th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 5
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Janney family emigrate to North America: Janney Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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