Surname Guinness - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Guinness: What does the surname Guinness mean?
The last name Guinness is Irish in origin and has a long and distinguished history, stretching back centuries. The name is derived from the Old Norse term ‘myggvin’, which translates to ‘the gift of midges’. The name is thought to refer to the area surrounding Dublin, where an ancestor of the Guinness family settled in the 1600s. The family’s wealth was largely built on the brewing industry, with the first Guinness brewery being established in 1759 by Arthur Guinness in Dublin.
Since then, the Guinness brand has become famous across the world. This family dynasty made a crucial mark on llfe in Ireland, with the Guinness Foundation donating funds to a range of causes, from hospitals to charities aimed at tackling childhood poverty.
The Guinness family remain synonymous with corporate philanthropy, particularly with their long-standing involvement with philanthropic endeavours in Ireland. The company formed 'The Arthur Guinness Fund' in honour of the founder of the dynasty, with the focus to build permanent change through key initiatives.
The Guinness name is one that is fondly remembered by many in Ireland, and indeed around the world. It has made a powerful legacy, standing for the values of hard work, generosity and dedication to progress and improvement. As such, it is a source of great pride for those who bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisGuinness: Where does the name Guinness come from?
The last name Guinness is most commonly associated today with the iconic Guinness beer brand, but beyond that, it is a prominent surname in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It is derived from an Old Norse word, gísl, meaning “pledge.” This surname refers to Scandinavian personal names and was brought to Ireland in the 11th century by the Viking invaders.
The Guinness surname is a well-known brand in Ireland, as well as in some other countries worldwide. In Ireland, it was first used mainly in the south and was popularized in the early 1800s. The Guinness Brewery began operating in Dublin in 1759 and was founded by Arthur Guinness, of the same surname.
In England, the Guinness family gained particular popularity in Kent, although it can be found across England and the surrounding countries. In Scotland, the surname is mostly concentrated around the Inverness area. In the United States, the surname is more widely spread, with the concentration mainly in the south, particularly around Tennessee and Mississippi.
In conclusion, the Guinness surname is a well-known name and is most abundant in Ireland and the UK, with a lesser population in Scotland, England, and the United States. It is closely tied to the iconic beer brand and is often remembered for its strong bravado in a sometimes unforgiving world.
Variations of the surname Guinness
Variations of the surname Guinness include Ginnis, Ginise, Gynisse, Gynnis, Ginniss, Gynniss, Ginnys, Ginnysse, Gynnysse, Gyneise, and Guinesse. All of these variants are derived from a single source, an ancient Gaelic personal name “Ó Gionnaigh” from the Old Irish “ongam” which means “war.”
The spellings of Guinness may also vary according to dialect or regional variation. In Ireland, the name is spelled "Guinness" because the letter "G" is pronounced "gh." In the United States, Guinness is most commonly seen as spelled "Guiness" with only one "s," and in England and Scotland, Guinness is likely to be spelled "Guinnes." Other variants of the name include "Gynnis," "Ginise," and "Ginnesse."
Surnames derived from the name Guinness may also be found. These include Ginnis, Ginniss, Gynniss, Gynise, Gynnysse, Gyneise, and Guinesse. All these surnames are variations of the original Gaelic personal name upon which the Guinness surname is based.
The Guinness surname is an ancient surname spanning centuries and countries, making it one of the most common surnames that can be found today. All these variants, spellings, and surnames are derivations of a single source, a Gaelic personal name, which makes this surname both unique and fascinating.
Famous people with the name Guinness
- Arthur Guinness: Arthur Guinness was an Irish brewer and founder of the famous Guinness brewery.
- Benjamin Guinness: Benjamin Guinness was an Irish philanthropist, banker, and politician.
- Clementina Guinness: Clementina Guinness was an Irish political activist and philanthropist.
- Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh: Edward Guinness was an Irish philanthropist and businessman, best known for being the founder of the Guinness Brewery.
- Benjamin Lee Guinness: Benjamin Lee Guinness was an Irish brewer, philanthropist, and Member of Parliament.
- Arthur Edward Guinness: Arthur Edward Guinness was an Irish barrister, politician, and brewer known for serving as the Chairman of Guinness from 1926 to 1936.
- James Guinness: James Guinness was an Irish Unionist politician.
- Rupert Guinness, 2nd Earl of Iveagh: Rupert Guinness was an Irish businessman and politician, best known for being the Chairman of Guinness, a prominent brewery and distillery company.
- Ernest Guinness: Ernest Guinness was an Irish politician and Member of Parliament.
- Jonathan Guinness, 3rd Baron Moyne: Jonathan Guinness was a British politician and hereditary peer.