Surname Poyntz - Meaning and Origin
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Poyntz: What does the surname Poyntz mean?
The surname Poyntz is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Latin name, Pontius, which was popular during the Roman era, and translates to "of the sea" or "seaman". Over time, it evolved into the old English Poyntz. This was a locational surname denoting people who hailed from various places named Pont or Point in England and France. It was also used as a nickname for individuals who lived near a point or promontory. The Poyntz family lineage traces back to Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The family held a family seat in Gloucestershire where they were granted lands by William the Conqueror for assisting him. Therefore, the surname is also associated with power, influence, and prestige.
Order DNA origin analysisPoyntz: Where does the name Poyntz come from?
The surname Poyntz is of Norman French origin, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is primarily a locational name, derived from the region of Pont-Echanfray in La Manche, Normandy. The name was anciently spelled as 'de Pons' or 'de Pont', meaning "from the bridge" in French.
Over centuries, the spelling evolved in England, with instances of 'Poyntz' mainly associated with the aristocratic Poyntz family from Gloucestershire. Notably, Sir Nicholas Poyntz (c.1510-1556) was an influential courtier during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI.
Today, the name is not prolifically common anywhere. However, owing to migration and settlement patterns, you can find some individuals with the Poyntz surname in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. It remains quite rare, adding to its unique charm and historical significance.
Variations of the surname Poyntz
Poyntz, an Anglo-Saxon surname, is believed to have originated from Ponte, a village in Normandy, France. After the Norman invasion, it was gradually Anglicized into various spellings and variations.
The most common spellings include Poyntz, Pointz, Pointy, Point, Points, Poynts, Poynt and Poynte. The 'Y' in Poyntz was often substituted with an 'I' or a 'E'. It was also common to drop the 'Z' entirely, resulting in names such as Poynt or Point. Over time, some derivations like Pointon and Pointing emerged as well. At times, the 'P' was replaced by 'B', resulting in names like Boyntz or Boynes.
The surname Poyntz is also associated with the wealthy Poyntz family in the United Kingdom who owned lands in Gloucestershire and Somerset in the 15th century. This branch of the family more commonly used the spelling variant Points.
In Ireland, the surname was often Gaelicized to Puinte.
It’s important to remember that the spelling of surnames was not standardized until the last few centuries, and thus, many different spellings should be considered for genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Poyntz
- Stephen Poyntz: An English diplomat and courtier in the 18th century.
- William Stephen Poyntz: An English cricketer who played for teams such as Hampshire and the Marylebone Cricket Club in the 19th century.
- John Poyntz Spencer: A British statesman and Liberal Party politician who held posts such as First Lord of the Admiralty and Lord President of the Council.
- Sybil Poyntz: A British novelist best known for her historical fiction set in the Georgian and Victorian eras.
- Maria Poyntz: Wife of the English aristocrat and figure of the British Whig Party, Charles Wyndham.
- William Poyntz: A politician who served as member of the Parliament for Midhurst in the late 17th and early 18th century.
- Isabella Poyntz: Wife of the Scottish nobleman and politician, James Ogilvy, 4th Earl of Findlater and 1st Earl of Seafield.
- Henrietta Poyntz: Wife of the British military officer St John Brodrick, 1st Earl of Midleton.
- Anna Maria Poyntz: A British author known for her books on fashion and cosmetics.