Surname Gourney - Meaning and Origin

Gourney: What does the surname Gourney mean?

The surname Gourney is an old French name likely derived from the Latin ‘agnus’ meaning ‘lamb’ or ‘ehon’ meaning ‘beloved’. It was originally an occupational name for a shepherd or wool merchant. The given name Gourney was also popular among Normans in the late medieval period.

The surname Gourney was first recorded in the 12th century but didn’t become widely used until the 18th century. Gourney families can be found throughout France and other countries throughout Europe. It is also common in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The original meaning of the surname Gourney was “one who watched the flocks,” but it has come to mean “one who is loyal” and “trusted.” This could refer to one's loyalty to family, friends, or even their nation. It is a name that carries with it a strong sense of identity and responsibility.

In some parts of Europe, Gourney is also seen as a sign of good luck and fortune. This belief likely comes from its original meaning of ‘lamb’, as the Christian faith and symbols of the Lamb of God were very important for many centuries.

In conclusion, the surname Gourney has a long and rich history. Its origin is likely from the Latin word ‘agnus’ meaning ‘lamb’. It has come to mean “one who is loyal” and “trusted”, and is also seen as a sign of good luck and fortune.

Gourney: Where does the name Gourney come from?

The last name Gourney appears to be most commonly found in France today. Gourney is a French family name derived from the word "gournier," meaning "shoemaker." Records show that the name Gourney can be traced as far back as 13th and 14th century in France.

The prevalence of Gourney families in the Records of the French Nobility shows that the Gourney surname was typically associated with the nobility in the Middle Ages. In more recent times, the Gourney surname can be found throughout France, particularly in the South. In the 2010 French census, the Gourney surname was most prevalent in the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Loire-Atlantique, Charente-Maritime, and Bouches-du-Rhône.

Outside of France, Gourney can also be found in the United States, Canada, England, Germany, Australia, and South Africa. These locations likely have a historical connection to France, meaning the Gourney surname was carried abroad in times of immigration.

Gourney is usually spelled as such, but variants of the name like Gourny and Gurine can also be seen in records today. No matter the spelling, the Gourney surname is a reminder of the French nobility that came before them and provides an interesting glimpse into French history.

Variations of the surname Gourney

Gourney is a surname that has a few different variants, spellings, and surnames that are all derived from a local version of the same surname. The original spelling of Gourney came from the Gallic adaptation of the Germanic name Garnier. The name was originally a nickname, referring to a person of " turned hair".

Variants of Gourney include Gorni, Gorney, Gounney, Gowney, Gowny, and Gooney. Perrin's Irish Surnames explains that Gorney and Gorneye are derived from Ó hAimhréidh, which is derived from Aimhréidh, meaning "rowdy" in Irish.

The Scottish form of the name is Garney, which is a diminutive or shorter form of the German name Gernot. Gorney and Garney appear to be the most commonly used spellings of the surname.

In France, Gournay is the most common form and is likely to stem from the word gorn, which means "a place of shelter or pasture". There are a few other variants which include Gournay, Gourne, Garnay, Garey, and Goryn.

In England, the most common spelling is Gourney, and it is more likely to be derived from the French Gournay. Some other variants include Gorney, Goorney, Goornay, and Gurney.

Given the numerous spellings and variations of this surname, it is likely that each variant is derived from a local adaptation of the same familial origin.

Famous people with the name Gourney

• David Gourney: American baseball player and Olympic silver medalist
• Nicole Gourney: American tennis player
• February Gourney: former American professional basketball player
• Erin Gourney: American film producer, actress and writer
• Gary Gourney: retired American football player
• Susan Gourney: Broadway musical theater performer
• Katie Gourney: American figure skater
• Kelly Gourney: actor, writer and producer
• Ceci Gourney: professional wrestler
• Stephen Gourney: retired American football player
• Linda Gourney: British sculptor
• Karen Gourney: model and actress
• Gray Gourney: American actor.

Other surnames

GournayGourny