Surname Gascoygne - Meaning and Origin
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Gascoygne: What does the surname Gascoygne mean?
The surname Gascoygne is of English origin but it derived from the Old French word "Gascogne", referring to someone from Gascony, a region in southwest France. The name first appeared in England in medieval times following the Norman Conquest when it was common for people to be named after geographical locations. Therefore, the surname Gascoygne generally denotes one's association to the region of Gascony. It is prevalent in Northern England, especially in Yorkshire. Over the centuries, its spelling has varied, and it has been recorded in various forms including Gascoigne, Gascoyne, Gaskoin, Gaskoine, Gaskoyne, and others. Notable figures with this surname include Sir William Gascoigne, a Chief Justice of England during the reign of King Henry IV, and George Gascoigne, an Elizabethan poet, soldier, and unsuccessful courtier.
Order DNA origin analysisGascoygne: Where does the name Gascoygne come from?
The last name Gascoygne is of Norman origin. It is believed to have been derived from the Old French region named Gascony. The Normans introduced this surname to Britain during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Historically, it was often given to those who were wine merchants, as Gascony was well-known for its wine.
Today, the spelling of the surname has undergone numerous changes with variations including Gascoigne, Gascoyne, and Gaskin, among others. The Gascoygne variation is not common today and can be considered rare. However, the variant Gascoigne is more common and is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in areas of Yorkshire. Due to emigration over the centuries, descendants carrying this name (in its various forms) can also be located in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Gascoygne
The surname Gascoygne has several variants including Gascoigne, Gaskin, Gaskins, Gasken, Gaskain, and Gascon. The spelling Gascoyne is the most common variant. Historical records have also recorded the surname as de Gascoigne during the Norman era.
The origin of these surnames is French, particularly from the historical region of Gascony, in the southwest of France. These surnames were typically given to people who originated in Gascony or whose ancestors did. This was a common practice in Europe, especially in the middle ages when surnames began to be used systematically.
The name Gascoyne or Gascoigne entered the British Isles following the Norman Conquest in 1066, when many French nobles and their retainers migrated and settled there. The surname appears in various forms in historical records, including legal documents, deeds, and parish registers, reflecting a high degree of variation in spelling.
It is important to note that spelling was not standardized until much later in history and hence, surnames often have several different spellings. This is why all the variations of Gascoygne exist.
Famous people with the name Gascoygne
- Paul Gascoigne: An English former professional footballer and football manager. He is known as one of the greatest players of his generation and has enjoyed a high-profile and often controversial career.
- Michael Gascoyne: He is a British Formula One designer and engineer who has worked for various teams in the motorsport industry.
- Sarah Gascoyne: Actress best known for her work in "Down by the Riverside" and "Atonement".
- Bamber Gascoigne: An English television presenter and author, most famous for being the original host of the popular quiz show "University Challenge".
- George Christie Gascoyne-Cecil: An English Conservative Party politician and member of the Cecil family, who served in the House of Commons from 1853 to 1868.
- George Edward Gascoyne: A British Conservative Party politician who served as Member of Parliament (MP) for the Boroughbridge division of Yorkshire from 1885 until his death in 1925. Please note that some of these figures have the last name "Gascoyne," which is a variant spelling of "Gascoigne".