Surname Wynn - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Rich History Behind the Wynn Surname with iGENEA DNA Testing
Exploring the roots of the surname Wynn with iGENEA DNA testing led not only to fascinating historical revelations but also the ability to connect with fellow Wynns across the globe, fostering an enriching community of shared heritage.
B. Wynn
read moreWynn: What does the surname Wynn mean?
The last name Wynn is thought to originate from either of two places- Wales and Germany. In Wales, Wynn is believed to come from the given name Gwyn, meaning "fair" or "white". In Germany, Wynn is derived from the German personal name "Winno", the short form of names beginning with "Wine" meaning "friend".
It is derived from the Old English words "wine" (friend) and "hun" (friendship). The name was used to identify someone who was considered dependable and trustworthy, a quality highly valued in the past.
In Welsh, the surnames Wynn and Gwyn are two of the oldest found in Wales. The Welsh name Wynn is recorded as far back as 1116 when Onfre Wynn was mentioned as a witness in the De Dierthsei Charta. The name is most commonly found in the north and west of the country, particularly in counties such as Anglesey, Denbighshire, and Flintshire.
The name Wynn is also found in Scotland where it is derived from the Gaelic MacQuinn which means ‘son of Conn’. In England, it is believed to be a variant of the Anglo-Saxon name Wynsige, a personal name composed of the elements ‘wine’ (friend) and ‘sige’ (victory). It is also possible the name could be associated with the Scandinavian religion of the Viking settlers of northern and eastern England.
In modern times, the surname Wynn is most closely associated with the Wynn Resorts, a gaming and hospitality company that was founded in 2002 by Steve Wynn. This has given the name an even broader appeal over the years.
Order DNA origin analysisWynn: Where does the name Wynn come from?
The last name Wynn is most commonly found in the United States. According to a 2020 US Census report, the Wynn surname is most commonly found in the South and parts of the Midwest and is particularly popular in Texas. In that region, census data shows that Wynn is the 602nd most common surname.
Most previously-held last names come from England, Wales, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Scotland. Wynn is most likely derived from one of these countries, although the exact origin is uncertain. It isn't a part of one particular group, although there have been many migrations of families over the centuries and this could explain why it is so popular in the US.
The Wynn family is part of an extended network of people stretching back to the 1700s. Records tracking the Wynn name date back to at least 1743, when a William Wynn is recorded in the Chester County Parish Register, Virginia. Records from that era also show several records, including records from Massachusetts, where a large number of English families with the Wynn name first set up shop in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Although the Wynn family is most prominent in the US, the surname also shows up in other countries around the world. Records from Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, among other places, show people with the Wynn surname.
overall, the Wynn surname has a rich history that stretches back centuries. The Wynn family has traveled from England to the US, and they have spread their legacy and traditions across the world.
Variations of the surname Wynn
The surname Wynn is derived from the Old English personal name Wynn, which developed from the Old English terms 'winnan' and 'wine' meaning 'joy' and 'friend'. This surname was especially popular in north Wales and is still a relatively common surname there today. Variants of this surname include Winn, Win, Wynne and Wyne.
The Welsh spelling of this surname is also Wyn. It is sometimes spelled Winn or Wynne, which are pronounced the same as Wynn. In addition, Wynn can be found spelt with or without the second "n". Wynne is an Anglicised version of the Welsh Wyn and the letter "e" at the end is often a signal of a Welsh origin.
The surname Wyne is commonly found among people of Scottish and Irish descent. This spelling might be a derivation of the word 'wine' or 'wyn' - and is thought to connect to the occupation of wine merchant or proctor.
In addition, Wynn may also be spelt Wynna, a variation of the names Wyn and Wynn, which might or might not be of Welsh origin.
Other variations include Wynns, Winns, Winn, Wynne and Wynne-Jones - the second part of the latter name being a reference to the joining of two families, possibly through marriage or inheritance.
Wynns and Winns are forms of the name Wynn found in Scotland and may have been variants of the name of the loyal Baron of MacGwinne, who served Scotland's King Malcolm during the 11th century. The variants Winn and Wynn were also found in England in the Middle Ages.
Famous people with the name Wynn
- Steve Wynn: Steve Wynn is an American real estate businessman who founded the Wynn Resorts Ltd. He is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the Las Vegas casino industry.
- Elaine Wynn: Elaine Wynn is an American businesswoman and philanthropist, and the co-founder of the Wynn Resorts. She has served as an active board and committee member for several charitable organizations.
- Kaye Wynn: Kaye Wynn is an American television and film actress who is best known for her roles in the television series Taxi and Law and Order.
- Kenny Wynn: Kenny Wynn is a former American football player who played in the NFL in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Mark Wynn: Mark Wynn is an English darts player, who competes in Professional Darts Corporation events.
- Joe Wynn: Joe Wynn is an American singer, songwriter and recording artist who has earned awards and acclaim for his work in country, pop and blues.
- Tom Wynn: Tom Wynn is an American actor most notably known for his role in the Broadway musical, Catch Me If You Can.
- Craig Wynn: Craig Wynn is an American actor and producer who has appeared in several independent film productions.
- Chris Wynn: Chris Wynn is an American video game producer and designer whose credits include the Xbox Console series.
- Tracey Wynn: Tracey Wynn is an American attorney and public servant who serves as the Interim Deputy Secretary of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Virginia.