Surname Mayne - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Mayne: What does the surname Mayne mean?
The surname Mayne is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "maegen" which means strength, power or force. The name was often used as a nickname for a man of great physical strength. It could also be a geographic surname for people residing near a common field or piece of pastureland known as 'The Mayne'. The name also has French origins, deriving from the Old French word 'Mesnie,' meaning household, hence it could be referring to the head of the household. Like many surnames, the spelling has evolved over time with variations including Main, Maine, and Maynes. It is therefore a name carrying connotations of strength, leadership, and stature in a community.
Order DNA origin analysisMayne: Where does the name Mayne come from?
The surname Mayne is of English and possibly French origin. In English, it likely derived from the Old Germanic personal name Maino or Megino (meanings ‘strength’ or ‘strong’). The first recorded spelling of the family name is that of Richard le Meyne, dating from 1194, in the Pipe Rolls of Devonshire, England.
In France, it evolved from the word "main", meaning "hand". This might have been an occupational name for someone who worked with their hands.
Today, the Mayne surname is most common in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and France. In England, it's particularly prevalent in the southwestern counties of Cornwall and Devon. There's also a significant presence in Ireland, specifically in the regions of Ulster and Munster. However, owing to extensive migration and globalization in recent centuries, bearers of the surname can be found in various parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Mayne
The surname Mayne has several variants that can often be attributed to geographical origins, historical spellings and phonetic interpretations. Some of these variants include Main, Maine, Mains, and Maynes.
It also has versions that occur with added prefixes or suffixes, such as DeMayne, or suffixes like -son, giving you Mayneson or the variation of this Mayson. Additionally, other related surnames could be Mean, Mene, or Mynheer.
These alternate spellings likely came about due to historical lack of standardization in spelling, as well as different translations and interpretations of the name to fit various languages and dialects.
The surname and its variants are largely found in Scotland, England, and France which may hint towards its origin. However, each variation could have slightly different roots even within these regions.
While the spellings and roots of these surnames may vary, they all ultimately share a common link to the original surname, Mayne. As such, they provide a broader picture of the possible variations, allowing for a more comprehensive genealogical search.
Famous people with the name Mayne
- Nick Mayne: British actor in The Crown and Line of Duty.
- Seth Mayne: professional cyclist and coach for USA Cycling.
- Molly Mayne: Welsh singer-songwriter, actress and model.
- Eloise Mayne: English televsion actress and model, best known for her role in the Netflix series You.
- Barry Mayne: Canadian boxer and mixed martial artist.
- Karim Mayne: Welsh professional rugby player for the Bristol Bears.
- Larry Mayne: American actor and stuntman, best known for his roles in series Charlie’s Angels and Magnum P.I.
- Tony Mayne: English football goalkeeper, playing for the Darlington Football Club.
- Amber Mayne: Canadian dialysis technician and liver transplant recipient, described as a “true hero by doctors”.
- Patrick Mayne: British Army officer who was awarded the Victoria Cross for heroic actions in World War II.