1,207 Berney members around the world
Stay informed about Berney Family online & offline events!
See our recent family gatherings

Berney Family History
This unusual name is Norman French in origin and is a locational surname from either the place called "Bernay" in the province of Eure in Normandy or from "Berney" in Norfolk. "Bernay" is derived from a Gaulish personal name, "Brenno", meaning "Eminent", with the local suffix "acum", meaning a settlement or village, while "Berney" in Norfolk is named from one of William the Conqueror's Norman followers, cited below as the first recorded instance of the name "Berney", who received grants of land there in reward for his services.Who have we missed?
Tell us about any famous Berney (or surname variant) you think we should add here. We will get our genealogists to check them out and add them to the list. Thanks!
Join the conversation with the Berney tribe
- Find your Berney ancestor
- Tell us about your Berney Family
- Tell us about your Berney ancestors
- Ask a question about the Berney history
- Leave a message for Berney family members
Have hit a dead end with my Berney family. I am back to Daniel Berney and Mary E Mcgee in 1804ish. Daniel is listed as being born in Ireland, and coming to Canada and eventually settling in Michigan USA.
(Part 1 of 3) The Berney name has a long history in British Isles and France, but now DNA and some recorded history says their origin is from the Emerald Island. The Berney story [dominated by DNA tribal marker R1b-L513, Subgroup B3] can trace their origins to the Finn Valley in Donegal, Ireland from 50 BCE. Perhaps the journey begins with the Clanna Dedad; Deda, son of Sen or Deda Mac Sin. The Berney surname origin is from Clan Domnaill [DNA Tribe R1b-L513, Subgroup B1] and relations who remain in Ireland take the modern surname (O’)Donnelly, McDonald and Donohue in Ireland.
(Part 2 of 3) According to research, the Domnaill name is also found in Brittany, France. It is a very old name which appears in the 5th century Roman inscriptions as Dumnovellaunos in Brittany meaning “Deep Valour” equivalent to Irish Domhnaill. But how could this be? Recent discoveries from DNA testing are unlocking the migration patterns of Celtic tribes as late as 800 CE to 1200 CE. The Berney story begins in pre-history Ireland then moves to Wales where the family can be traced back to their Welsh tribe Cydifor Fawr. An ancestor and many of his kin will then move to Brittany, France during the Dark Ages
(Part 3 of 3) Discover their newly found untold story and how forgotten texts bring their story back to life. From the ebook, “The Tribe Within” learn how DNA unfolds this amazing tale and if you look in the right places, how history narrates this evidence. There is another written account of their story, but it is camouflaged in smoke and myth – it will become the tales of King Arthur. Come follow in the footsteps of Deda Mac Sin and visit https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/401207
Invite more Berney family members!
Write an email address and click 'Invite' to share this page with more members of the Berney tribe.
Log in or Register to invite others
Family Coat of Arms Generator

Why not see what your family crest could look like based on your own family characteristics?
Create CrestShow off the Berney Family Crest…
Wear your crest with pride...plenty of products to choose from