Surname Enis - Meaning and Origin

Enis: What does the surname Enis mean?

The last name Enis may have originated from the ancient Anglo-Saxon cultures of Britain. The name itself is derived from the Old English 'Eni', which means 'Eye'. This suggests that the name was probably originally given to someone with particularly piercing or striking eyes. Early records indicate that the Enis family were prominent in the North of England, in Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland, and gradually spread to other parts of the country by the Middle Ages.

The Enis family also appears as one of the original Norman families in Scotland after the 11th Century, when the new Norman rulers became feudal lords of their land. This Norman lineage is likely to have branched out into other parts of Britain by the 12th Century.

Throughout history, the family has been associated with many notable figures. In England, members of the family held status as baronets, knights and landowners, including Sir Ambrose Enis, Baronet of Eamsby, who served as High Sheriff of Durham in the 17th Century. In Scotland, the Enis family was closely linked to the great houses of Dundee and Perth.

The origin of the last name Enis is steeped in rich history and mystery. Whether the name began in England, Scotland or Ireland, it is clear that the family has been proud of its heritage for generations, and has proven its strength in both peacetime and war.

Enis: Where does the name Enis come from?

The surname Enis is predominantly found today within North America. In the United States, the highest concentrations of the surname can be found in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. Elsewhere in the continent, concentrations of the surname can also be found in Canada, especially in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario.

The etymology of the surname Enis is thought to be derived from the Old English term ‘eagle’. It is possible that the surname was used to describe someone of noble descent or someone who exhibited the qualities of an eagle, such as courage and strength.

The surname could have also initially been used as a nickname for someone who had an eagle-like hairstyle. In modern times, the surname remains relatively uncommon. Individuals bearing this surname can expect to be among the few others in the world who also bear it.

When exploring the presence of the surname across the internet, it quickly becomes clear that many individuals who bear the surname have established close-knit communities online where they can come together to discuss their heritage, culture and common history.

Variations of the surname Enis

The surname Enis is of Irish origin and can be found in many different variations, spellings and surnames. These can be broken down into Gaelic and English variants.

Gaelic Variations:

• O h-Aonghusa - This Irish Gaelic version of the name refers to the son of Angus, one of the ancient clans of Ireland.

• O hAonghuis - Originally, the name Aonghuis referred to the Aonghus clan which was the ruling family of the Southwestern kingdom of Thomond.

• O hEanais - This variation of the name appears in the ancient annals and is said to have originated in the district of Bray.

• O hEanaigh - This spelling is found in early records of the Clann Aengusa, which was a prominent family in the south of County Cork.

English Variations:

• Annes - This version of the name is the English translation of the Gaelic name O h-Aonghusa.

• Enis - This is the most common spelling of the name and is found most often throughout Ireland.

• Ennis - This spelling is often found in places such as the United States, Canada, England and Australia due to migration.

• Enis - This spelling is common in countries such as Scotland, where the name is found in areas such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.

• Anes - This spelling is the English version of the Gaelic name O hAonghuis.

• Anis - This is the English spelling of the Gaelic O hEanaigh.

Surnames:

• Anes - This surname is derived from the English version of the Gaelic name O hAonghuis.

• Enis - This surname is derived from the Irish version of the name Enis, often found in Ireland.

• Ennis - This surname is derived from the English version of the Gaelic O hEanaigh.

• Annis - This surname is derived from the English version of the Gaelic O hEanais.

Famous people with the name Enis

• Curtis Enis: former American football running back in the NFL.
• Lillian Enis: American jurist and the first African-American female judge in the state of Texas.
• Cedric Enis: former Australian rules footballer who played for Carlton in the Australian Football League.
• Chris Enis: voice actor who provided voices for the English dub of the Japanese anime series, Cowboy Bebop.
• Sheena Enis: American actress best known for her role as Tessa in the TV series "Roswell".
• Nazir Enis: American football cornerback who played college football at Syracuse Orange.
• Charles Enis: American former college basketball player at Saint Louis University.
• Daryl Enis: former American football running back in the NFL.
• Lano Enis: American former college basketball player at Santa Clara University.
• Tommy Enis: former professional American football player who played running back for three seasons in the NFL.
• Don Enis: former American football coach and college athletics administrator.
• Robert Enis: small business owner, native Alabamian and member of the Local Organizing Committee.
• Ramselaar Enis: Dutch professional footballer who plays as a right back for Dutch Eredivisie Club FC Utrecht.
• Jermaine Enis: former American football running back in the Arena Football League.
• Kayla Enis: actress best known for her role as Della in the motion picture "The Good Witch's Gift”.

Other surnames

EnicksEnissEnix