Surname Girnus - Meaning and Origin
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Girnus: What does the surname Girnus mean?
The last name Girnus is of German origin and is derived from two elements; the word ‘Gir’ which is of unknown origin and the Middle High German word ‘Nus’ meaning ‘Nose’. It is assumed that this surname means ‘Nose of Gir’ possibly symbolising the owner’s toughness or their sharp-nosed ability to make decisions.
The last name has been found most commonly in Germany around the Western-Central and Northern regions and is present in places such as Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and East and West Prussia. The name has also spread to other parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where it was recorded as van Girnus and Girnuss.
The spelling of the name has varied over time and throughout different regions and it has been recorded as Girnus, Geirnus, Girenus, Geirenus, Girinus, Giernus, Gerinus, and Gierinus.
In terms of lineage, Girnus is likely to be a nickname surname and therefore its original bearer would have been the first holder of the name.
Order DNA origin analysisGirnus: Where does the name Girnus come from?
The last name Girnus is most commonly associated with Germany and Poland. It typically occurs in two distinct geographical areas in those countries: Upper Silesia (Poland) and Baden-Württemberg (Germany).
In Germany, Girnus families can be found all over the country, but the largest concentration is found in the Bavarian towns of Nürnberg and Fürth, as well as in the city of Stuttgart in Baden-Württemberg.
In Poland, Girnus families are primarily centered around the cities of Wroclaw and Opole in Upper Silesia. The region of Upper Silesia has a long and established history of going back to the 12th century and is an area known for its rich culture. The Girnus family likely settled in the region sometime in the 16th or 17th centuries.
Outside of Germany and Poland, there are also some notable records of Girnus families living as far away as United States and Canada. In recent years, especially since the 1950s, descendants of German and Polish Girnus families have spread to various other countries all around the world.
In conclusion, the last name Girnus is most commonly associated with Germany and Poland but can also be found in various other countries around the world, thanks to the descendants of German and Polish immigrants.
Variations of the surname Girnus
The surname Girnus originates from the ancient Germanic language and is believed to have derived from an Old High German word “girin,” which means to joke or jest. Girnus is an uncommon surname, but there are several variants, alternate spellings, and surnames of the same origin that are commonly used.
Variant spellings include Giernus, Giernes, Gurnus, Gurnes, Guanus, Guanes, and Gurinus. Common surnames of the same origin include Gehrn, Gehren, Gehriger, Gehringer, and Garin.
The surname Girnus is rare in the United States but is common in Germany and countries in the Balkan region. The spelling of the surname can also be altered depending on the country in which it was used. In the U.S., for example, some families adopted Anglicized versions of the name, such as Guernsey and Gearns.
The suffix of the Girnus surname can also be used to form alternate versions of the surname, such as Gernandus, Garinus, Gerinius, and Gerinitz.
In some cases, Girnus spelling might be confused with the surname Gernous, but the two names are unrelated. Gernous is an Old French name that means “son of True” while Girnus refers to someone who jokes or jests.
Overall, Girnus is an uncommon name that has several variants, alternate spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Due to its origin, the surname is common in certain parts of Europe but is rare in the United States.
Famous people with the name Girnus
- Alex Girnus: German football player who plays for VfL Bochum.
- Thomas Girnus: former amateur boxer and current trainer.
- Roland Girnus: German sports journalist and author.
- Julia Girnus: Austrian football player who plays for SKN St. Pölten.
- Johannes Girnus: German ice hockey player who currently plays in the professional German Ice Hockey League (DEL).
- Peter Girnus: German musician and dancer, member of the dance show “Let’s Dance”.
- Marika Girnus: Finnish singer and songwriter.
- Markus Girnus: Austrian football referee who officiated professional matches in the Austrian Football League (AFL).
- Claudia Girnus: Austrian professional tennis player who competes internationally.
- Karl-Heinz Girnus: German writer and journalist.