Surname Ginney - Meaning and Origin
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Ginney: What does the surname Ginney mean?
The last name Ginney is of French origin and is an occupational name derived from the Old French word 'guignier', which refers to a hayward who was responsible for mowing, stacking, and watching over crops. The name arose separately from related names Guinard and Guindon in areas in northeast France.
Ginney is most likely of domicile origin, which means that the name was adopted by a family who lived in a village with the same name. This was usually indicated by adding the place name after the personal name (e.g. Reynard Ginney would have hailed from the town of Ginney).
The Ginney name is common in several countries, including Jamaica, the United States, and Canada. The name has been changed over time, typically to the simpler variant of 'Ginnie', and in some cases Cunningham, as some Gaelic immigrants chose to adopt English names during the 19th century.
People with the name Ginney typically have an industrious streak, and generally bring to any task that they undertake a responsible attitude and a dedication to seeing the job through to the end.
Whether it be farming, business, or academia, the Ginney name has come to stand for a commitment to excellence and success. The name represents an affinity for hard work, and dedication to attaining a goal. This is a name that seeks to make use of every possible resource to find success and progress.
Order DNA origin analysisGinney: Where does the name Ginney come from?
The last name Ginney is not particularly concentrated in any one particular area; rather, it has been found in records across various parts of the British Isles over the centuries. It appears to have originated in Norfolk and Suffolk in East Anglia, where some of the earliest records of the name have been found. However, it is also found in Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and other parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and even Ireland. Today, people with the surname Ginney can be found scattered all across the British Isles, in both rural and urban areas. Searches for the surname on genealogical sites such as Ancestry reveal that people with the surname live in various countries around the world today, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Ginney
The surname Ginney has an interesting origin and a variety of different spellings and surnames of similar etymology. The name can be traced back to the Olde English pre 7th Century. It originates from the word "ginn", meaning daring or brave.
It is believed that Ginney began with the Norman Conquest of 1066, and the name was taken from the French noble family. Early records of the name include Gineway and Ginay, which eventually evolved into the current spelling.
Ginney, Ginny, Ginnye, Ginnay, Giney, Ginee, Ginn, Ginne, Guinney, and Gynney are all spelling variants of the name Ginney.
The surname Ginney has also evolved to include other similar but distinct surnames such as Ginn, Gine, Ginns, Ginnis, Ginnys, Gynes, Gynes, and Ginners.
By the 19th century, there were several branches of the Ginney family within England, including the Ginnys of Pembroke, Wales, the Ginneys of East Anglia, and the Gines of Durham.
At the present, Ginney is primarily found in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is also found in the United States and Canada, as the surname Ginney was brought over during the 19th century immigration diasporas.
Famous people with the name Ginney
- George Lindsey: American actor best known for his role as Goober Pyle in the American television series The Andy Griffith Show
- Richard Ginney: American politician from the state of Maine
- Michael Ginney: Political advisor and strategist to former Gov. John Kasich and Chairman of the Kasich for America Initiative
- Don Ginnell: British CEO, most notably associated with MCA, NBC, Viacom, and Philips Electronics
- Pauline Ginney: American artist who creates multimedia installations and films
- David Ginn: British actor, primarily known for his involvement in films including The Time Machine and V for Vendetta
- John Ginn-American music producer who has produced hip-hop and R&B hits for the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Dr. Dre
- Alan Ginney:Notable oil industry executive and philanthropist
- Richard Ginney-American politician from the state of New York