Benyan

This very interesting name is of Welsh origin and derives from Ap Eignion meaning 'the son of Eignion' itself a derivation from St. Einiawe, one of the early 7th century saints of Wales (Cymrae). The Holy Spring at Llavareth in the former county of Radnorshire is known as St. Einiawes spring. The development of the name has been from Ap Eignion (circa 1260), Ap Eynon (circa 1300) Ab Eynon (circa 1310). Variations in the idiom of the spelling include Bennion, Benyan, Benyon, Binyon, Pinnion and Pinyon. Bartholomew, son of Robert and Anne Benyan, was christened on May 21st 1618 at St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, London. George Benyon married Alice Weste on February 11th 1620 at St. Dionis, Backchurch, London, and Elizabeth Benyon married John Smith at St. Giles, Cripplegate on April 9th 1662. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Byneyon (Baptism of son), which was dated 1665 at St. Mary Aldermay, London, during the reign of King Charles 11 known as 'The Merry Monarch', 1660 - 1685. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.