Surname Gurny - Meaning and Origin
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Gurny: What does the surname Gurny mean?
The last name Gurny has a history that is believed to be related to Old English and Old French origins. It is believed to have been derived from the Franco-Norman personal name Gurn or Gorn and means “proud” or “loud”. This name is likely derived from the Germanic elements “gorn” which means ‘daring’ and “wig” which could mean ‘combat’.
Gurny is a surname that has been found in records as far back as the 12th century. It is most frequently found in areas of England, especially the counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire. It is believed that the first bearer of this name was Sir Robert Gurny (around 1149), a courtier in the court of Henry II who was the uncle of the then reigning King of England.
This surname can also be associated with areas of North Yorkshire where it appears in records from around the same period. It may also be related to the surname Gurnell which has similar origins, and is a common name in East Anglia.
The meanings of the two words from which the name Gurny originates imply strength, courage, and determination, characteristics that might be expected to be carried by its bearers through their centuries of history.
Order DNA origin analysisGurny: Where does the name Gurny come from?
The last name Gurny is most commonly found in France, Croatia, and Germany, though it is also present in other European countries.
In France, Gurny is most prevelant in the Normandy region, with particular concentrations around Caen, Trouville-sur-Mer, and Avranches. In Croatia, Gurny is largely concentrated around the towns of Požega, Grubišno Polje, and Donja Stubica. In Germany, Gurny is present in many regions, though it is most common in Bavaria.
In the United States, Gurny is primarily found in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. There are also smaller clusters of the name in Alabama, Arizona, California, Michigan, Ohio, and Washington.
Given the international nature of the Gurny surname, it is possible to trace the name back to the eleventh century, in which it appears in documents in France with the variant spelling 'Gurnay'. As such, it is one of the oldest documented surnames in Europe.
The Gurny surname is one of the oldest in the world, having been documented as far back as the eleventh century. Today, it is most commonly found in France, Croatia, and Germany, with substantial numbers in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
Variations of the surname Gurny
The surname Gurny is of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word gornay, which is derived from the Old High German word guorni, meaning "grain." Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Gorney, Gournay, Gurney, Gornay, Gourni, Gourney, Gurnei, Gurni, Gorni, Gurnee, Gorneye, Gournee, and Garnay.
Gurney is a variant of the name that is more frequently seen in England and Scotland, while Gorney is a common variant in America. Early recordings of Gurney include William Gorne in the Assize Court Rolls of Lancashire in 1246 and Robert of Gornay in the Assize Court Rolls of 1284. In 1468, the noble family of Gournay was established after Bernard de Gournay was made a knight by the Duke of Burgundy.
Gourni, Gourney, and Gurnei are all variants that can be traced back to France. The Gournay family was a powerful noble family in France for centuries. Gurni has also been recorded in France, with Robert Gurni being mentioned in the Records of the Knights Templar in 1307.
Gurnee, Gorneye, Gournee, and Garnay are more modern variants of the name. They are derived from spellings that evolved over time as the surname became anglicized. Gurnee is particular frequent in the United States, with William Gurnee being recorded in the passenger lists of the 'William and Francis' in 1635.
Famous people with the name Gurny
- Scott Gurney: Producer, director, and actor active in the film and TV industry since 1997. He is best known for producing and directing the TV shows Duck Dynasty and Wahlburgers.
- Darryl Gurny: Actor, musician, and industry consultant. He has appeared in films such as Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 and A Cinderella Story.
- Stacy Gurny: Former model, actress, and dancer. She has appeared in TV shows such as 90210, Dawson’s Creek, and The O.C.
- Gavin Gurney: British actor and reality TV star. He is best known for appearing on Big Brother UK in 2006.
- Greg Gurny: former football player who played for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins in the 1980s.
- Michael Gurney: screenwriter and film producer. He is best known for producing and writing the 2004 horror film The Grudge.
- Tony Gurney: TV producer and writer. He has written episodes of shows such as Drake & Josh and Zoey 101.
- Harry Gurney: English cricketer and a former member of the England team. He plays for Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire County Cricket Clubs.
- Thomasina Gurney: British actress, best known for playing Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey.
- David Gurney: American artist best known for his works, including abstract landscapes and portraits.