Surname Punch - Meaning and Origin

Punch: What does the surname Punch mean?

The last name Punch is of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Puisín", sometimes anglicized as "Puishin". This surname was taken from a diminutive form of the Irish first name Pádraig (Patrick). Subsequently, it was modified by English speakers to its current form, Punch. The name has been predominantly found in the county of Clare in western Ireland. While the name does not hold a specific meaning, its root in the name Pádraig is of religious significance in Ireland, as it refers to Saint Patrick, the nation's patron saint. However, it should be noted that, as with many surnames, exact origins and meanings can be difficult to trace and can vary based on geographical, linguistic, and historical factors.

Punch: Where does the name Punch come from?

The surname Punch is most commonly found today in places like England, Ireland, France, and Germany.

In England, Punch has been a common surname since at least the mid-1600s. records show that some of the early Punch families in England were well-known landowners and prominent members of the gentry. The Punch family name is also associated with prominent meeting spots and public houses in Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

In Ireland, Punch is a fairly unique surname, and the name is mainly found in the provinces of Leinster and Munster. Interestingly, the Punch surname in Ireland is believed to have been derived from the English name “Punshon” which was introduced by English settlers in the 17th Century.

France has a long history of Punch families, with the name first recorded in Haute-Savoie in the early 1700s. Over the centuries, the name has become firmly established in the region, and Punch families can be found across the country today.

In Germany, the Punch name has been found in records dating back to the 1600s. It is believed to be derived from the German given name “Panchen” which was a popular name in the Middle Ages. Punch families are most commonly found in southwestern Germany, including the areas of Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria.

Variations of the surname Punch

The surname Punch is derived from the Latin word ‘punctu’, which means ‘point’ or ‘to puncture’, making this surname related to anyone who made or sold points or pens. Punch has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames which have adopted over the centuries, including:

Ponce: A Spanish spelling of Punch, derived from the Latin name Pontius.

Ponch: An alternate spelling of Ponce, common in French-speaking areas.

Poncher: A variation of Ponch.

Poncy: A variation of Ponce.

Poncey: An alternate spelling of Poncy.

Punsch: An alternate spelling of Punch, primarily used in German-speaking countries.

Punsche: A variation of Punsch.

Punchard:A derivative of the surname Punch, arising in the Welsh-speaking regions of the British Isles.

Punche: Another variation of the surname Punch, commonly seen in northern England.

Punchardt: A variation of Punchard, found in German-speaking regions.

Punchcock: A rare variant of Punch, arising from Lancashire in the UK.

Pinches: A variant of Punch, derived from the Middle English term ‘Pynche’.

Pins: A diminutive of Pinches, found primarily in Cornwall, England.

In addition to these variants, Punch has been adopted as either an anglicized version or a translation of the Jewish surname Pinchas, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Pinhas. This surname has also been anglicized as Pinch, Pincus and Pinsky or Pinski. Therefore, many individuals with these surnames may trace their roots back to Punch and its various variants.

Famous people with the name Punch

• Hamish Punch: Canadian actor, writer, and broadcaster.
• Charles Algernon Punch: English actor of the silent era.
• Patrick Punch: Irish actor and voice-over artist.
• Shanon Punch: American contemporary sculptor.
• Jim Punch: Canadian racing cyclist.
• Steve Punch: American football player.
• Ray Punch: American baseball player. 8.:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• John Punch: English musician, composer and music producer.
• Shannon Punch: Canadian television screenwriter and producer.
• Gwendoline Punch: French ice dancer.
• Lorne Punch: Canadian ice hockey player.
• Bob Punch: American professional golfer.
• Dave Punch: American footballer and coach.
• Cicely Punch: British actress and singer.
• Patrick Punch: Canadian politician.
• Brette Punch: Canadian actress and comedian.
• Poppy Punch: American rapper and singer.
• Grant Punch: American football player.
• Chris Punch: Canadian footballer.

Other surnames

Punches