Surname Varnes - Meaning and Origin
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Varnes: What does the surname Varnes mean?
The origin of the last name Varnes is disputed. It has been theorized that the name evolved from a number of sources, such as the Old Norse word ‘varnr’, meaning a worn pathway or road, or the Old English word ‘warn’, meaning to guard against danger. It has also been suggested that the name was derived from the Old French word ‘varenne’, meaning a gentleman’s estate or farm.
A traditional bearer of the surname Varnes was Egill Varne of Norway, who traded extensively with England and lived in Norway during the 13th Century. It is likely that Egill’s descendants spread the surname throughout Scandinavia before migrating to other parts of Europe.
Today, the surname Varnes is relatively uncommon. It is most common in the United States, where it was first recorded in 1777 when Trifse Varnes emigrated from Norway.
Those with the Varnes surname have been found predominantly in places with strong Scandinavian ties such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York. It is likely that those descended from Egill Varne established these locations as emigrants from their homeland of Norway.
Overall, the name Varnes is believed to describe peoples of a humble origin and respectable work ethic, who actively sought to make a better life for themselves and their families.
Order DNA origin analysisVarnes: Where does the name Varnes come from?
The last name Varnes is a fairly uncommon surname today, but it can be found most notably in the United States. In the U.S., the most common states with the Varnes surname are California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York. However, the last name has also been known to exist in some parts of Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia.
The origin of the last name is uncertain but has been associated with a variety of sources. It has been theorized that the surname could have been derived from an occupational surname due to the fact that the root word “varn” is related to ironworking. Alternatively, it has been suggested that the Varnes last name may have been derived from the old Saxon word “varen” which means “threshing-field”.
Nevertheless, recent census data shows that the geographical distribution of the last name Varnes has remained mainly focused around the United States, with some minor occurrences in Europe. The last name most likely originated in Europe and was brought to the United States by immigrants. It is likely that the majority of those with the Varnes surname continue to reside in the United States, though some may have also migrated from Europe in the past centuries.
Variations of the surname Varnes
The surname Varnes is a variant form of the French surname Varne, which itself is a variant of the German surname Wern. Wern has been recorded in many spellings, including Werne, Verne, Vearne and Varnes. The English variant of the surname Wern is Warne, which is also an alteration of the original German name.
Variations of the name Varnes include Verne, Vearne, Vorne, Farne and Varn. Verne is one of the most common variants of Varnes and has been recorded in England since at least the mid-17th century.
Other possible spellings include Werns and Varniss. Varniss is an English variant of the original German surname, and was first recorded in the early 19th century in the UK. Werns can be found in the United States, and is the result of immigrants anglicizing the original surname.
Variations of the surname can also be found around the world, in countries such as France, Canada, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark. In France, variants of the name such as Vavia, Varneix, Varnoux and Vernare can be found. In Canada, variations of the name include Varnette, Varnocar, and Varney. In some cases, Varnes can also be found anglicized as Warnes.
The surname Varnes is derived from the Germanic name Warin, an old personal name meaning 'defending'. This name could refer to a defensive or warlike person, or someone who had lived near a fortress or a protective wall.
Overall, many variants, spellings and surnames exist for the surname Varnes, each with different regional influences and meanings that point to the original source of the name—the German personal name Warin.
Famous people with the name Varnes
- Laura Varnes: American actress, writer and producer; known for her roles in films such as Face Down and Winnipeg Wild
- Lily Varnes: American film actress, best known for her role in the film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again
- Camille Varnes: American ballerina, choreographer and contemporary dancer; winner of several awards including the International Ballroom Dancers Championship
- Doug Varnes: American writer, director and producer who has written and produced many short films and music videos
- Joe Varnes: British rock and blues musician; member of the band Captain Ska and founder of the Joe Varnes Project
- Harry Varnes: American artist and sculptor; well-known for his art installations; exhibited his work in several galleries
- Barry Varnes: Canadian DJ, who has toured various cities and countries performing his unique genre of high energy EDM and electro-infused hybrid music
- Dianne Varnes: British actress and comedian, known for her appearance in the BBC sitcom Not Going Out
- Jessica Varnes: Canadian journalist and news anchor, currently working for Global News
- Jamieson Varnes: tennis player from United States, participant in various USTA Pro Circuit events