Surname Kersey - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: A Journey into Self-Understanding and the Richness of the Kersey Heritage

The discovery of my roots through the iGENEA DNA test has vastly changed my perception of my personal identity and heritage. The results have enhanced my appreciation for my surname, Kersey, making me realize its deeper significance in my life. The test has opened a gateway to a past that was otherwise inaccessible, offering an insightful journey into the richness of my ancestry.

H. Kersey

Kersey: What does the surname Kersey mean?

Kersey is a surname of English origin and its first known recorded spelling was during the 12th century, making it a particularly old name. It is derived from a place name, specifically referring to the villages of Kersey in Suffolk and Lancashire. The name "Kersey" itself means "watercress island", derived from the Old English words 'kerse' which means watercress, and 'eg' which means island.

However, the term 'kersey' also refers to a type of coarse, woollen fabric that was manufactured in and around the area of Kersey, Suffolk, from the medieval times until the 19th century. This coarse wool became widely known as "kersey cloth". Hence, there's also speculation that the surname Kersey could have been an occupational name given to people who owned or worked in wool manufacturing in that area.

As with many old English surnames, the exact meaning can sometimes be hard to pin down due to centuries of linguistic evolution and socio-cultural changes. The spelling variations of the name also include Kersley, Kersy, and Karsey.

Kersey: Where does the name Kersey come from?

The surname Kersey is of English origin, deriving from a place called Kersey in Suffolk, England. The place-name Kersey means 'watercress island', derived from the Old English terms 'kerse' (cress) and 'eg' (island). In the middle ages, Kersey was also the name for a type of coarse woolen cloth which was manufactured in large quantities in this region, further strengthening its association with the place.

The surname Kersey, like many English surnames, spread to various parts of the world, primarily due to British emigration. Today, it is found in the United States, Canada, England, and Australia, although it is less common than other English surnames. In the United States, it is more prevalent in the South, especially in the states of Georgia and Virginia. Despite its geographical dispersion, the surname Kersey maintains its strongest presence in its place of origin, the county of Suffolk in England.

Variations of the surname Kersey

The surname "Kersey" may have several variants and spellings which include Kersie, Kearsie, Kearsy, Kercy, Kersy, Kerzie, Kerse, and Karsey. Variations of the name could also be found due to regional dialect adjustments, literacy rate at the time, and personal preference for spelling.

The surname Kersey has English origins and may be derived from the place name Kersey in Suffolk. Back in the middle ages, Kersey was a major center for producing a type of coarse woolen cloth, also named "kersey", which was exported throughout Europe. Thus, people associated with this trade may have assumed or been ascribed with the surname.

Kersey could also be a geographical surname referring to individuals living by a cress brook from the Old Norse words 'kers', meaning cress, and 'ey', meaning island or brook. Thus, similar geographical surnames of the same origin could be Cressy, Cressey, or even Kerissey.

As with any surname, exact origins can vary greatly, and it's not uncommon for one surname to have multiple potential origins. In some cases, Kersey could be a patronymic surname, where the name derived from a paternal ancestor's first name.

Famous people with the name Kersey

• Jessica Kersey: American model and actress.
• Tom Kersey: American professional football player.
• John David Kersey: Canadian professional baseball player.
• Jack Kersey: British actor and theatre director.
• Robert Kersey: American skateboarder and actor.
• Philip Kersey: British actor, writer, and director.
• Crystal Kay Kersey: American singer-songwriter and actress.
• Tomkerri Kersey: British professional basketball player.
• Anna Kersey: American voice actor.
• Donny Kersey: American gospel and soul singer.
• Rebecca Kersey: British artist and filmmaker.
• Brian Kersey: American professional basketball coach.
• Jennifer Kersey: American actress.
• Rodger Kersey: American professional wrestler.
• Lindzi Kersey: British voice actress and singer.
• Josh Kersey: American basketball coach and former professional basketball player.
• Douglas Kersey: American entrepreneur and business executive.
• Naomi Kersey: British stand-up comedian.
• Mason Kersey: American professional baseball player.
• Matt Kersey: American professional basketball player.

Other surnames

KersebaumKerseboemerKersebohmKerseböhmerKersebomKersebömerKerseboomKersebrokeKersenbomKersenboomKersenbrockKersenbroeckKersenbroickKersenbrokKersenbruchKersenbruck