Surname Maynor - Meaning and Origin
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Maynor: What does the surname Maynor mean?
Maynor is a surname of Old French origin. It derived from the Old French personal name 'Magnus', which means 'great' or 'mighty'. 'Magnus" was a popular given name in the Middle Ages, often bestowed in honor of the 7th-century Saint Magnus. The -or suffix in 'Maynor' signifies 'son of' in Old French. Therefore, the complete meaning of the surname Maynor would be 'son of the great or mighty one'. This surname is prevalent in England, potentially indicating a French connection due to the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. Other variations of the surname include Mayner, Mainor, Maynard, Mainer, and many others. Like many surnames that originate from given names, it is likely that the surname was adopted by sons to carry forward their father's name, indicating a form of patronymic inheritance, which was common during the Middle Ages.
Order DNA origin analysisMaynor: Where does the name Maynor come from?
The surname Maynor has its origins in Europe, particularly in England. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Mainier, which itself is from the Old High German Maganher, composed of the elements "magin" (strength) and "heri" (army). Thus, Maynor would mean 'son of Mainier' or 'son of Maganher.'
This surname was brought to the United States during the early colonial period by British immigrants. Hence, it has a heavier presence in the United States today, specifically in the Southern states. The 1840 US Census shows the highest concentrations of Maynor families in North Carolina and Virginia. However, significant populations can also be found in other English-speaking countries like Canada and England.
As with many surnames, spelling variations such as Mayner, Mainor, and Maynard, among others, can also be found. Despite these variations, the name is relatively rare compared to other surnames, even in countries where it's most prevalent. As per recent data, the Maynor surname is ranked as the 4291st most common surname in the United States.
Variations of the surname Maynor
The surname Maynor is of English origin, particularly prevalent in the southern United States, and is believed to be derived from the name "Mayor," an occupational name for a bailiff or steward. It went through evolution and different spellings over time.
Variants of the surname Maynor could include Mayner, Maynard, Mainard, Maynoard, Maynord, Maynhard, Maynerd, Mainer, Mainor, and Maynon. Similar names that could possibly have the same origin will be Maywood, Mayson, or Mayor.
It's important to note that variations in the spelling of surnames occurred frequently in history due to a lack of consistency in rules for spelling. Surnames were often recorded as they were pronounced, leading to different phonetic versions. Additionally, language translation, regional dialects, and even literacy levels could influence the way a name was spelled.
Additionally, surname research can be difficult because over time people change their family name due to adoption, marriage, or other reasons. Genealogy experts recommend tracing back as far as possible using multiple sources of documentation to verify the origin and variants of a surname.
Famous people with the name Maynor
- Tijuana Maynor-Kizer: gospel singer and pastor
- Marian Ponder Maynor: the first woman mayor of South Carolina
- Eliot Maynor: American theater actor
- Sidney Maynor: United States District Judge
- Herbie Maynor: former college basketball coach
- Nick Maynor: former professional baseball player
- Joe Maynor: former professional football player
- John Allen Maynor: former professional football player
- Butch Maynor: former professional football player
- Annie Maynor: gospel singer and songwriter
- Emerson Maynor: professional basketball player
- Keith Maynor: American professional football player
- Eli Maynor: American painter
- Leon Maynor: professional basketball player
- Kevin Maynor: operatic bass-baritone
- Robert Maynor: professional football player
- Sadie Maynor: American Christian gospel singer
- Brooke Maynor: former college basketball coach
- Fenton Maynor: professional football player
- Billy Earl Maynor: professional baseball player