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Show ContentsBenyon Surname History
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Extended Surname History Download (PDF) - Letter Size

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The Benyon surname comes from the Old French word "bugne," meaning "swelling," or "protuberance," and as such was most likely originally a nickname for someone disfigured by a lump or hump. As the French term bugnon, from the same root was also used to describe a type of puffed-up fruit tart, the surname may also have arisen as an occupational name for a baker of such items.

Another source notes that name could have been derived from "the Welsh Ab Enion, the son of Enion, a personal name. " 1

Early Origins of the Benyon family

The surname Benyon was first found in Cheshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. A family of this name has long been established in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, where the name is on record from 1199. 2

The famed John Bunyan (1628-1688), author of the 'Pilgrim's Progress,' 'Holy War,' 'Grace abounding,' was born at the village of Elstow, Bedfordshire. "The family of Buignon, Buniun, Bonyon, or Binyan (the name is found spelt in no fewer than thirty-four different ways), had been settled in the county of Bedford from very early times. Their first place of settlement appears to have been the parish of Pulloxhill, about nine miles from John Bunyan's native village. In 1199 one William Buniun held land at Wilstead, a mile from Elstow. In 1327 one of the same name, probably his descendant, William Boynon, was living at the hamlet of Harrowden, at the south-eastern boundary of the parish.' " 3

Early History of the Benyon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Benyon research. Another 36 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1628 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Benyon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Benyon Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Bunyon, Banyen, Benion, Benyan, Benyon, Bunyan, Bunyen, Banion, Banyan and many more.

Early Notables of the Benyon family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Benyon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Benyon family to Ireland

Some of the Benyon family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Australia Benyon migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Benyon Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Benyon, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Glen Huntley" in 1849 4
  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  4. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The GLEN HUNTLEY 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849GlenHuntly.htm
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