J is for …

From: Reaney, P H, (ed. Wilson, R M), 1997, Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames, 3rd ed., OUP, Oxford, unless otherwise stated.

Jackson

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: William Jackson, born about 1797, Pipe Hill, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

Son of Jack.

lichfield-from-pipe-hill-800x225
View of Lichfield from near Pipe Hill.  William would recognise the spires of St Michael (right) and the Cathedral, the Ladies of the Vale.

The cathedral is dedicated to St Mary and St Chad, who became Bishop of Mercia in 669,  when he moved the See from Repton to Lichfield.  The cathedral and city are well worth a visit.

Jobburn / Jobbern(s)

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: John Jobburn, born about 1816, Norton Canes, Staffordshire.

In the 1861 census this is mistranscribed as Iobberns.

A bit mysterious. Job is a Hebrew personal name (the man of Biblical patience). I think it may have originated in the medieval crusades. I don’t understand Reaney.

Jones

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: William and Elizabeth Jones, parents of Aaron Jones, baptised 27 Jan 1694, Measham, Derbyshire.

Reaney begins with Johannes, the root of John, and the Welsh Johns (son of John). Jones, however, is indelibly associated with Wales. Reaney says that the Welsh equivalent of John is Evan and for the Welsh Authorised Bible Ioan was chosen.  This led to the prevalence of Jones.

So, although I have traced my kindred back to Measham, there is sure to be a Welsh connection lost in the mists of time.

Judd

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred: John Judd, born about 1803, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire.

A diminutive of Jordan, via, Jurd.

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