This unusual name is definitely french in origin. The early name holders were associated with the Norman invaders after 1066, however there was a later immigrant entry in the period around 1700, and associated with the Huguenot protestants. The name is job descriptive for a wine-maker, from the old French "Vigne", however it may also be habitational for one who lived by a vineyard. Wine growing was fairly common in England up to the destruction of the monasteries by Henry V111 circa 1535. In 1207, Robert Le Vinnur is recorded in Huntingdon whilst Jane Venye is found in London in 1563. Later on January 31st 1703, Isaac Venie is recorded at the French Huguenot Church, Glasshouse Street, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Marey Venney, which was dated July 11th 1667, who married at St. Bartholomew the Less, 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.

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