Surname Gwyne - Meaning and Origin
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Gwyne: What does the surname Gwyne mean?
The last name Gwyne is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh first name Gwyne or Gwyn. This name literally means “white, fair, blessed” and was commonly used in medieval times as a personal name for boys.
Gwyne, and other variations of the name including Wynne, Gwyn, and Gwin, would have been popular names to give children born in Wales during the Middle Ages. It was believed to carry with it protective and spiritual qualities, and was chosen to try and ensure the safety of the baby. Even today, Gwyne remains a popular name in Wales.
The commonality of Gwyne as a last name today can also be attributed to the many Welsh migrants who left Wales during the 19th and early 20th centuries in search of a better life. When these immigrants arrived in their new countries, many kept the Gwyne last name as a reminder of their ancestral heritage.
Today, those with the Gwyne surname can trace its origin back to its Welsh roots and the protective and spiritual qualities associated with it. Although its spelling can vary, all spellings are typically associated with descendents of Welsh origins and can often be found in areas with higher concentrations of Welsh immigrants.
Order DNA origin analysisGwyne: Where does the name Gwyne come from?
The last name Gwyne is commonly found in Wales, United Kingdom. It is an anglicised form of the Welsh surname Gwyn. This Welsh name dates back to the Early Middle Ages, and is derived from the ancient Welsh personal name Gwyn. This name was originally given to someone with a fair complexion or a blonde of white hair. During the 1800s, many people bearing the Gwyne surname embarked on great migrations to the United States, Australia, and Canada. Today, many of the Gwyne descendants are found in the areas of North America, especially concentrated in Ontario. However, the surname is still prevalent in Wales, where up to 583 people still bear this name, making up 0.001% of the Welsh population. Gwyne is also typically found in Ireland, the Isle of Man, England, and Scotland.
Variations of the surname Gwyne
Gwyne is a variation of the Welsh surname Gwyn or Gwynn. It may originate from the Welsh word gwyn, meaning “white” or “fair” or “blessed”. Other variations of the surname include Gwynne, Wyn, Wynne, Gwyneth and Gwinn.
In Ireland, the surname Gwyne is Anglicized from the Irish surname Mac Fhionnghaile, meaning “son of fair-haired foreigner” in Gaelic. This could refer to a person of Viking descent. As Mac Fhionnghaile, Gwyne is either rendered Mac Gwyne or Gwyne. The surnames Gwyn and Gwyne can also be derived from a Welsh given name, Gwalchgwyn, which means “white hawk”.
In the United States, the surname is commonly spelled Gwynne, while in the United Kingdom, the Welsh version Gwyn is most popular. Due to its Welsh roots, the surname is also frequently used as first name in Wales.
Other spellings of Gwyne include Guin, Guinn, Guinne, Guyn, and Gwine. It is primarily found in England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, Wales, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Gwyne
- Gwen Stefani: American singer, songwriter, fashion designer, actress, and television personality.
- Gwyne Pugh: American architect and AIA Gold Medal Winner.
- Gwythyr ap Greidol: King of Britain in Welsh mythology.
- Kenneth Gwynne: British composer and musicologist.
- Gwynne Dyer: Canadian-born military historian, journalist, political commentator.
- Don Gwynne: British actor, known for his roles in films such as The Italian Job and On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
- Richard Gwynne: British scientist and inventor who invented the Gwynne pump.
- Dylan Gwynne: British actor best known for portraying Ned Smanks in the BBC comedy The Fast Show.
- Clive Gwyne: New Zealand racing driver who was active in Formula One.
- Bill Gwynne: Australian rules footballer who played for Melbourne Football Club.
- Mark Gwynne: English cricketer who played for Bedfordshire CCC.