Surname Plain - Meaning and Origin

Plain: What does the surname Plain mean?

The surname Plain has various possible origins. Firstly, it might derive from the Middle English term "pleyen" or the Old French "plein," both meaning a flat, level surface, typically used to describe an individual who originated from or lived near such a geographical feature. The surname might also have been a nickname for a simple or unadorned person, from the Middle English and Old French "plein" or "plain," meaning simple or unadorned. Alternatively, the name can possibly be of French origin, from a personal name, derived from the Latin "Plinius." This name was borne by a famous Roman scientist, Pliny the Older, who died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The name could also be the result of Anglicization of a different foreign surname with similar phonetics. As with most surnames, the exact origin and meaning may differ based on the family or individual history.

Plain: Where does the name Plain come from?

The last name Plain is a very uncommon name, but it does still exist today. According to the United States Census Bureau in 2019, there were only around 550 individuals with the last name “Plain” living in the United States. These individuals were spread throughout various states such as Texas, Florida, New York, Minnesota, California, and Pennsylvania. This last name is believed to have originated in England and spread to other countries throughout the centuries. The Plain name has also been found in other countries such as Germany, France, and Canada.

In the United States, the Plain last name is predominately found in rural areas. This is likely due to the fact that over the decades, many individuals with this surname have relocated to these areas. The Plain family often has close-knit correlations with each other, often times due to their shared surname. As a result, many members of the Plain family may be related to each other, especially if they live in the same area.

For many individuals with the last name Plain, this surname is a part of their family legacy and identity. This is evident in the Plain Family Society, which was founded in 1990 and is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Plain surname and family history. This society is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and continues to unify members of the Plain family.

Overall, the last name Plain is still relatively common today, though there are only a few individuals with this name currently living in the United States. For those with this last name, such as those connected to the Plain Family Society, it is a large part of their family legacy and identity.

Variations of the surname Plain

The surname Plain has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these spellings are Payn, Payne, Paine, Pain, Paines, Pane, Paine, Paden, Paynes, Painne, Paine, Plaines, and Pyne.

The “Paine” spelling, and variations thereof, are derived from the French "De Pont" or "Du Pont" which means "of the bridge" in French. This is indicative of the ancestor having lived near a bridge at one time. From this origin, "Pain/e" surnames spread throughout France and across broader Europe.

The variant "Payne" and its related spellings originated from the Norman-French language. This spelling was first used in Sussex, England in the 13th century, and it is thought that many of these English Payne/Payn/Paine surnames have Norman-French origins.

The “Plain” spelling is the Old French variation of the English surnames, and it is thought that some of these Plaine/Plain surnames are linked to the plantation owners in the English colonies of North America.

The Irish surname, “Pyne” likely derives from an Anglo-Norman French word, paine, or the Gaelic word “pionn” which means “descendant of the wolf”. This surname can often be found in the counties of Leitrim and Mayo, Ireland.

In conclusion, the surname Plain has a rich and vibrant history with many variants and spellings of the same origin. It is thought to be derived from French, Norman-French, and Gaelic sources and the various spellings of this surname can often be found in England, France, and Ireland.

Famous people with the name Plain

• Jacob Plain: Canadian entrepreneurial, fashion designer and artist.
• Ryan Plain: American professional football player.
• Rufus Plain: American songwriter, country singer, and musician.
• Ruth Plain: British actress and playwright.
• Vezieman Plain: American R&B singer-songwriter.
• Fred Plain: American-born British actor.
• Marlene Plain: American model and actress.
• Debra Plain: Canadian aerobatic competitor and competitor in Miss Universe.
• Michael Plain: American football coach.
• Francis Plain: American folk musician.
• Craig Plain: American navy veteran and radio talk show host.
• Anamaria Plain: British choreographer and dance artist.
• Arnold Plain: American singer-songwriter and novelist.
• Linda Plain: Canadian folk singer-songwriter.
• Bryan Plain: American writer, director, and producer.

Other surnames

Plaine