Surname Ginthier - Meaning and Origin
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Ginthier: What does the surname Ginthier mean?
The last name Ginthier is an occupational French surname derived from the French word gentilhommier, meaning “gentleman.” The name was given to someone who was a gentleman or a nobleman in medieval times. It likely originated from the Picard region of northeastern France, where Ginthier is the most densely populated last name.
Ginthier is an interesting last name as it conveyed a sense of status and rank even hundreds of years ago. The name became even more prominent in France during the medieval era due to the rise of the French monarchy and its court, which was full of potential nobility looking to establish a successful and respectable lineage over the centuries.
Despite being linked to nobility, the French version of Ginthier may not have necessarily implied wealth or even high society; it could have simply been a proud name reflecting success or standing in local communities.
Today, the last name Ginthier can still be found throughout France, although it has spread to other parts of the world such as Canada and the United States. It is a rare name, although is associated with certain families and regions of the world, in particular, Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisGinthier: Where does the name Ginthier come from?
The last name Ginthier is most commonly found in France today. It is one of the most common last names in France and is estimated to be in the top 50 in terms of frequency. High concentrations of the surname are found in the northern part of the country, extending through Brittany, Normandy, Picardy, Île-de-France, Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Lorraine, Alsace, and down to the Rhône-Alpes region in the east. Outside of France, it is relatively uncommon, though it still is found in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, and Quebec, Canada. It is reasonable to surmise that the surname is derived from the Middle French given name "Gentilhommière," meaning gentleman. Furthermore, many records trace the origins of this surname back to Normandy in the 13th century. As such, it is possible to trace the Ginthier family's roots back to this time period, providing an interesting window into the House of Genthier’s family history. Although the Ginthier surname is found in many areas of the world today, its highest concentrations remain in France, making it one of the more common surnames in the country.
Variations of the surname Ginthier
The surname Ginthier has both French and Jewish origins and many variants and different spellings. The variants of the surname include the Anglicized spelling Ginther, the French spelling Genthier, Ginthiere, Gentière, Gentiers, Gentiere, Gentilhommié, Gentilhomme and Gentiomme, the Jewish Gintzheimer, Gintsheimer, Gentzheimer, Gentzsheimer and Gentzheimer.
It is believed that the surname originated in the region of Alsace-Lorraine in Eastern France, as this is the home of the ancient aristocracy and of such distinguished families as the Gancourts, the Gersons and the Ginthiers.
The Jewish origins of the name can be traced back to German Jews from Baden, Wurttemburg and the Palatinate who migrated throughout Europe in the 1700s and 1800s. Many of the Jewish surnames at that time originated in the name Gantz, and when Jews anglicized their names many adopted the same name as their Christian counterparts, thereby creating the version Gintzheimer. Some of the earliest written records of the surname appear in the United States in the late 18th century.
The surname Ginthier has been borne by many distinguished individuals across a wide variety of fields, including French historian Théophile Genthier, German Jewish novelist Friedrich Gintzheimer, French philosopher Pierre Gentière, and German government minister Albert Ginthier.
Famous people with the name Ginthier
- Emmanuel Ginther: A German-born American artist and illustrator known for his vivid portraits and colorful landscapes.
- Luke Ginthier: An American writer and screenwriter, best known for his work on the TV show Sense8.
- Michel Ginthier: French artist and fashion executive, founder of Paris-based design label Ginthier.
- Jean-Paul Ginthier: A prominent French chef who has operated several restaurants in Paris.
- Armando Ginthier: A Mexican actor and comedian, best known for his roles in La Niña and La Reina del Sur.
- Mathieu Ginthier: French architect, urban planner, and editor of the magazine FR3.
- Erwan Ginthier: The founder of a breakfast-dinner restaurant in Lyon.
- Cédric Ginthier: A French professional basketball player currently playing with BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque of the LNB Pro A.
- Singer and songwriter Florent Ginthier, a popular performer in France.
- Christine Ginthier: A winner of the prestigious French Prix Femina for her novel “La Femme de l’amour.”