Surname Meyns - Meaning and Origin
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Meyns: What does the surname Meyns mean?
The last name Meyns is a Dutch patronymic surname derived from the Old German name Maino. It would have originally been given to individuals whose fathers were named Maino. The name Meyns evolved through various different spellings and phonetic variations such as Mein, Mains, Mainsy, Mainz, Meijnts, Mainzius, Meyn, Meynis, Meyns, and Meiens.
Meyns is a relatively common name in the Netherlands, particularly in the province of Utrecht, where the name is spelled with an S, and in Gelderland, spelled Meijns. In these regions, the name stands out from other Dutch surnames because of its German origin.
Meyns means "son of Maino" and connotes a strong sense of family heritage and tradition. Historically, the name was closely associated with several prominent Dutch families. It was borne by the Rev Jacob Meyns, a Dutch clergyman who served as minister of the Bethel church in Utrecht in the 17th century.
The surname Meyns is a reminder of both the family’s origin and ancestry, as well as its strong connection to the local community. The name is still found in several regions in the Netherlands, and is a proud representation of Dutch history and culture.
Order DNA origin analysisMeyns: Where does the name Meyns come from?
The last name Meyns is most commonly found in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is also present in France due to the French influence on the Low Countries. Most of its bearers in the French regions of the Nord and Pas-de-Calais are in fact Flemish-Dutch in origin, as they fled the area to work in France during the Industrial Revolution.
The Meyns name is also somewhat common in the United States. Many of them, and those bearing other similar surnames such as Meijns and Mains, are descendants of Dutch immigrants who settled in the Midwest during the 19th century. Wisconsin and Illinois are believed to be the primary states where the name is found, as many Dutch Calvinists worked as farmers in these regions.
Additionally, a few bearers of the name can be found in the United Kingdom. These are usually associated with Dutch or Flemish servicemen or merchants who arrived in England during the Middle Ages. Likewise, many have been recorded in Canada, tracing their origins back to either Dutch immigrants or those of French-Dutch heritage.
To conclude, the surname Meyns is common in the Low Countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It is a testament to the many Dutch expatriates who ventured around the world centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Meyns
The surname Meyns has various variants, spellings, and surnames which are derived from the same origin, including but not limited to Mains,Maines,Mainze,Mainsman, and Mainland.
The surname Meyns is thought to have commenced in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It was a name for a person who worked as an official of such a manor house or castle. These individuals were bearers of the name Main, which derived from the Old French maignier, ultimately from the Latin magnus, meaning "great," and -er, an adjectival suffix.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of Mains and Maines derive from the Middle English word mains, meaning "the cultivated land of a manor," and the Old English deriving from the Latin word mansio, which referred to an inhabited dwelling or residence.
The variants, spellings, and surnames of Mainze is derived from the places in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany, many of which were named in honor of the Roman soldier Ganzio ("G-anzius") who lived there in the fourth century C.E.
Mainsman is a variant of the English word maynes or meynes which means “a servant in a great household.”
Mainland is the Scottish patronymic of Mains (main spelled in the old orthography of Scottish), which means “from the great house.”
The surname Meyns is thought to have risen in popularity after a famous bearer, Johannes Mains, attained a position of favor under King Edward III of England. It eventually spread to the Low Countries, Germany, as well as other parts of Europe.
Famous people with the name Meyns
- Eva Meyns: Known for her leading role in the 1961 German film, Der Unverbesserliche.
- Graeme Meyns: An operatic tenor, known primarily for his lyrical vocal style.
- Hans Meyns: A prominent political figure in Germany during the Cold War.
- Werner Meyns: Professor Emeritus of Molecular Medicine at the University of Ghent.
- Philippe Meyns: Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Belgian Consumer Goods Retailers’ Federation.
- Boudewijn Meyns: The former Chairman of the Dutch Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
- Peter Meyns: A Belgian artist known for his bright and bold sculptures inspired by the abstract expressionist movement.
- Maxime Meyns: A well-known Belgian stage actor, primarily working in French-speaking theaters.
- Sophie Meyns: A professional makeup artist and fashion stylist from Belgium.
- Lucas Meyns: An early 20th century Belgian composer, known for his many works featuring the classical infant prodigy, Marguerite Zerbini.