Surname Girney - Meaning and Origin
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Girney: What does the surname Girney mean?
The last name Girney is derived from the Old French word guernier which means "sovereign commander." This name was commonly given to knights or soldiers entrusted with the command of forces in wartime. They could be men in charge of a garrison, castle, or some other important military force.
The origin of the last name Girney can be traced back to northern France, where the family held a seat as nobility in the province of Normandy. During the Middle Ages, Germany controlled the area, and its influence spread to the northern regions of France. People from the area eventually carried the Girney surname to other parts of Europe including Ireland, England, and Scotland, where it became more popular.
The meaning of the name is likely to have been altered over time. As its spelling changed, so did its pronunciation. Another possible meaning of the word is from the Latin gernia, which literally means "cradle." This meaning was likely adopted when its usage changed from a military title to a surname in the Middle Ages, due to its familial connotations.
No matter the origin or original meaning, the Girney surname has stood the test of time. It is still in use today, indicating a long history of loyalty and service to one’s family, friends, and country.
Order DNA origin analysisGirney: Where does the name Girney come from?
The last name Girney is commonly found in England today. In England, the Girney surname has an extensive history, with records of the name appearing as far back as the 13th century AD. It is found primarily in the counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Northamptonshire, and Gloucestershire. It has also been found extensively in the Midlands, as well as in other areas of England. Outside of England, Girney is found in Ireland, Scotland, USA, Canada, and Australia.
In England, the Girney surname is of Norman-French origin, but its precise etymology is unknown. Considering its age and presence in England, it is likely that the name arose from compounds of personal names such as "Girard" or "Guy".
Today, the Girney surname is common in England, and it is also common in other regions across the world. It is still pronounced the same as it was centuries ago - as "Girney" - and it still carries the same meaning. As a result, it has remained an easily recognizable last name for centuries, passed down through generations and across continents.
Variations of the surname Girney
Girney is a surname of Irish origin. It is most commonly found in Ireland and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Giolla Choinnigh" which is translated into English as "son of Coinneach".
Variants of the surname Girney include Gorney, Giorny, Gerny, Gurney, Geyrney, Geirene, Gilrony, Gyrney, Gernie and Gurne.
The spelling of the surname has varied throughout history, with most early references being of the Gorney spelling, which has since become obsolete. The modern spelling of Gurney is usually found in the United Kingdom and the United States, and the spelling Gilrony can be found in Australia.
The spelling Gyrney is most commonly found in Germany, with the spelling reflecting the marriage of a Girney from Ireland to a German family of the same line.
Gernie is a Scottish spelling of the surname, indicating the spread of this Irish family name into Scotland.
The Geyrney variant is also quite prevalent in Germany, although it has spread to other parts of Europe as well.
The Geirene surname is most commonly found in Norway, and is likely derived from the Gaelic first name of the Girney ancestor.
Finally, the Gerny spelling is most commonly found in Ireland, again indicating the spread of the Girney family from their homeland.
In summary, the Girney surname has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Most of these are derived from Ireland, with some variant spellings and surnames spreading to the United States, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and Australia as well.
Famous people with the name Girney
- Amanda Girney: American professional tennis player.
- Tyler Girney: Photojournalist based in Alberta, Canada.
- Ken Girney: Paralympian athlete who competed at the 2004 Summer Paralympics, winning two medals.
- Bill Girney: American theater director, producer, and writer.
- Neal Girney: Real estate agent and former professional ice hockey player.
- Craig Girney: Australian rugby league footballer who represented Australia and played for the St George Dragons.
- Scott Girney: Olympic track and field athlete from Australia.
- Dave Girney: American politician and educator, former member of the Wyoming House of Representatives.
- David Girney: American author and film director.
- Walter Girney: English footballer.