Surname Ginnell - Meaning and Origin
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Ginnell: What does the surname Ginnell mean?
The last name Ginnell (pronounced GHIN-ell) is of Irish origin, likely derived from the Gaelic surname "Mac an Ghoill." The literal translation of this surname is "son of a stranger," likely indicating that it was adopted by an invader. Historically, this is often the case with Irish surnames, as invasions of the island by Norse, Danish, and English forces over the centuries contributed to the admixture of multiple ethnic groups.
The Ginnells were found most predominantly in the Munster Province of Ireland, where records indicate the surname was in use as early as the fifteenth century. As Ireland was subject to English occupation during this period, many names were Anglicized, likely accounting for the current version of Ginnell.
Ginnell may have evolved into a patronymic surname, with a variation of the name created for each successive generation. By the nineteenth century, variants such as "Ghennell," "Gonnell," and "Ginneal" were all observed in the birth records of County Mayo and County Galway.
Today, the Ginnells are a diverse family spread across the world. While primarily found in their native Ireland, the family is well represented in the United States, most often in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and California. The Ginnell surname is also found in England, the Caribbean, Canada, and Australia. The name may have changed over the years, but the Ginnell family's commitment to Ireland has remained steadfast.
Order DNA origin analysisGinnell: Where does the name Ginnell come from?
The last name Ginnell was derived from the Old Irish surname O Giolla Fhaolain, which means descendant of the servant of the Church. This name originated in County Laois, which is in the south midlands of Ireland. Today, the surname Ginnell is most commonly found in Australia and the United States of America.
In the United States, the Ginnell surname is most highly concentrated in the states of Missouri, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. This surname is also familiar in other parts of the US including Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, and Illinois. It is believed that many of the current Ginnells in the US are descendants of Irish immigrants arriving in the late 19th century.
The surname is also frequently found in Australia, particularly in the urban locations of Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia. In addition, records indicate that some members of this surname arrived in Australia from Ireland as early as the 1830s.
In Ireland, the Ginnell surname is still commonly found in County Laois but also has a presence elsewhere in the country, particularly in Cork, Tipperary, and Dublin. Outside of these countries, the Ginnell surname is immaterial.
Variations of the surname Ginnell
The surname Ginnell is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic 'O Ginealaigh'. Variations in its spelling include Ginnel, Ginell, Gineal and Gynell. It may also appear as Ginley, Guinelly or Guinley.
Surnames of similar origin are O'Ginealaigh and O'Cinneallaigh, both derived from the Irish personal name Cineall, which is a variant of Ceallach. These surnames are anglicised versions of the Gaelic name Cinealaigh or Cinneallaigh, with spellings including Guinally, Gunally, Guinlee, Ginnally, Ginnlee, Ginnally and Gunlee.
Ginnell may also be found spelled as Ginnill, Ginnal, Ginnhill, Ginnelley, Ginnelly, Ginnalley, Ginnally, Ginnol, Ginnilo and Ginnille. These are all derived from the same Irish Gaelic root, although there may be slight variations in the spelling.
Variations found outside Ireland may include Gennel, Ginneil, Ginel, Ginellee, Ginnal, Ginele, Guinea, Ginelle, Gennell, Gynell and Ginnol.
Surnames of similar origin to Ginnell are Ginnane, Ginnane, Ginnan, Ginnock, Ginnett, Ginnard, Ginns, Ginn, Genedy and Ginnsly. These are anglicised versions of the Irish Gaelic names: Ó Giobnáin, Ó boatáin, Ó Giobúin, Mag Fhionnóc, Mac Giobúin, Mac Fhionnail, Ó Mac Giobail and Ó Geataigh.
Famous people with the name Ginnell
- Judge Thomas Ginnell: Thomas Ginnell was the first Judge of the Court of First Instance in Ireland. He is renowned for his progressive ideas and his handling of the Guerin Inquiry, Ireland’s first public inquiry into the condition of a stately home: Belgarde.
- Joe Ginnell: Joe Ginnell is a British-based musical artist who has toured internationally and collaborated with multiple bands and artists. He is best known for his unique brand of alternative punk-pop.
- Conor Ginnell: Conor Ginnell is a professional dancer who is a founding member of the dance company ‘Freefall’. He has toured internationally and been a part of various engaging projects which involve creating socially conscious art in different mediums.
- Francis Ginnell: Francis Ginnell was an Irish nationalist politician and a Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons. He was a strong advocate for Irish independence and free trade.
- Richard Ginnell: Richard Ginnell was an American judge who served as Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court from 1893 to 1895. He owned many businesses outside of his legal career, including a brewery and horseracing track.