Ginnis Surname

The Origins of the Surname Ginnis

The surname Ginnis is of English origin and is believed to be a locational surname, deriving from the place name 'Gainsborough' in Lincolnshire, England. The name 'Gainsborough' itself is thought to mean 'the hill of the sons of Gain,' with 'Gain' being an Old English personal name. Over time, the surname Ginnis evolved from Gainsborough to its current form.

Early Recordings of the Surname

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Ginnis dates back to the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire, where a man named William de Gynys is mentioned. From this point onwards, the surname Ginnis became more widely used, particularly in the Lincolnshire area.

Migration and Spread of the Surname

As with many surnames, the Ginnis surname spread beyond its original place of origin due to migration and emigration. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many individuals with the surname Ginnis left England for other parts of the world, particularly the United States, Australia, and Canada. This accounts for the presence of the surname in these countries today.

Variant Spellings and Pronunciations

Like many old surnames, the surname Ginnis has undergone various changes in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries. Some common variant spellings of the surname include Guinness, Ginniss, and Gynnis. In terms of pronunciation, the surname is typically pronounced with a hard 'g' sound at the beginning.

The Ginnis Surname Today

Today, the surname Ginnis is relatively rare, with the highest incidence being in the United States, where there are an estimated 334 individuals with the surname. In England, the surname is most commonly found in the county of Lincolnshire, where it has its origins. Other countries where the Ginnis surname is present include Australia, Canada, Greece, Afghanistan, and South Africa, among others.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Ginnis

While the surname Ginnis may not be as well-known as some other surnames, there have been a few notable individuals throughout history with this surname. One such individual is John Ginnis, a British artist known for his landscape paintings in the 19th century. Another notable figure is Mary Ginnis, a pioneer in the field of women's rights in the early 20th century.

References to the Surname in Literature and Popular Culture

Despite its relative obscurity, the surname Ginnis has appeared in various works of literature and popular culture over the years. In the novel 'The Ginnis Family Chronicles' by author Sarah Johnson, the Ginnis family plays a central role in a sweeping family saga set in 19th century England. The surname has also been used as a character name in several TV shows and movies, adding to its cultural significance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Ginnis has a rich history that stretches back centuries to its origins in England. While relatively rare, the surname has spread to various countries around the world through migration and emigration. Despite its obscurity, the Ginnis surname continues to hold a place in both history and popular culture, with references appearing in literature and entertainment.

The surname Ginnis in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place in the case of Ginnis, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that may be found in all the countries of the globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people with all the surname Ginnis is more than in other countries.

The map associated with Ginnis surname

1. United States (334)
2. England (42)
3. Australia (10)
4. Canada (3)
5. Greece (2)
6. Afghanistan (1)
7. Austria (1)
8. Brazil (1)
9. Nothern Ireland (1)
10. Guyana (1)
11. Israel (1)
12. Iraq (1)
13. Jersey (1)
14. Nigeria (1)
15. Philippines (1)
16. Thailand (1)
17. South Africa (1)