Surname Ginnes - Meaning and Origin
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Ginnes: What does the surname Ginnes mean?
The last name Ginnes is of French origin and is an Anglicized form of the surname Guennes. The meaning of the name is thought to derive from the place name Guennes in Normandy, France. It is thought that the place name is derived from the Old French word 'gue' which meant 'goat'.
The first recorded instance of the surname Guennes was found in the 13th-century saint's Cartulaire de l'abbaye de Notre-Dame de Bonne-Espérances in France, when a Hamo Guennes was listed as a witness. Records indicate that the Guennes family were vassals to the Leroy family and held the title of Lyon de hallage.
In England, the surname was likely introduced in the Middle Ages by Norman settlers. Records indicate that the surname first appeared in England in 1542 when Henry Guennes and his wife Julian made a legal lease agreement with Margaret Barrett in Somerset. Records also suggest that the family links between Guennes and the Barrett family continued in the following decade when Edward Barrett and his wife Alice Guennes were listed as living together in Tavistock.
The surname Ginnes is a modern day variant of Guennes and is an uncommon last name. It is likely to be confined to families who trace their roots back to the Norman families. Those who can trace their surname back to this origin can have a connection to historic French nobility and long family lineage in Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisGinnes: Where does the name Ginnes come from?
The last name Ginnes is most commonly found today in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. It is believed to have its roots in the French name Guines, although how and when the name was changed is not clear.
In the United States, Ginnes is most often found in New England and the Midwest, with many variations of the name scattered across the country, from Maine to Wyoming. The most significant concentration of the name is found in the northeast, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
In Canada, the Ginnes name is most commonly found in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario though there are other members of the family located throughout the country.
In Europe, the last name Ginnes is mainly found in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.
In all areas, the Ginnes family maintains a proud and distinct identity. Many members trace their lineage back generations, with strong ties to the region of their residence. Furthermore, due to the prevalence of the Ginnes name, many civic and professional associations exist to honor the history of this unique family name.
Variations of the surname Ginnes
Ginnes is an uncommon surname of English and French origin, that has variations in both spelling and pronunciation. It is based on the nickname of the given name Giles, meaning “young goat,” or “he who shields”.
The most common variations are Gynes, Gyness, and Ginnis. These are often pronounced "genies," although the "G" can be pronounced in a variety of ways depending on the region or dialect.
Other spellings commonly seen with this surname include Ginnes, Ginnys, Gynnys, Gynes, Ginnese, Gyne, Genys, Ginnes, and Gynnes. All are derived from the same source, with the same meaning and pronunciation.
The surnames Guynes, Guynesse, and Guins are also derived from Ginnes, although these are spelt differently and pronounced differently.
Finally, surnames derived from given names related to Giles and Ginnes include Guile, Gilby, Gills, and Gilson.
Famous people with the name Ginnes
- Julianne Ginnes: American figure skater from the 1940s and 1950s who competed in the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway.
- The Ginnes Brothers: three British siblings who filmed their life and comedy videos on YouTube, becoming well known throughout the United Kingdom.
- Ginnes Welles: American actress and dancer who appeared in Broadway musicals such as Guys and Dolls and The Pajama Game.
- Jonathan Ginnes: English businessman and philanthropist who founded the Ginnes Foundation and supports numerous charity organizations.
- Jody Ginnes: Canadian singer-songwriter who has released multiple chart topping singles such as "Subway" and "Oxygen".
- George Ginnes: American film director and producer who is known for the series Momma Knows Best and his award-winning film The Road Less Traveled.
- Eliza Ginnes: British fashion designer who is known for her handcrafted clothing line of eco-friendly designer wear.
- Ivan Ginnes: Australian folk musician who plays an eclectic mix of old-time Australian, punk and country music.
- Orson Ginnes: French contemporary artist who created works in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and video.
- Ravi Ginnes: South African athlete, business executive, and philanthropist who was a member of the South African rugby team that finished third at the 1996 Summer Olympics.