FINNIS
Finnis
Finnis is a surname of British origin, derived from the Middle English personal name "Fin", meaning "fine" or "beautiful", with the patronymic "nis" or "kin" added to indicate "son of Fin". The surname Finnis is primarily found in the southern region of England, particularly in Kent and Sussex.
The earliest documentation of the Finnis surname dates back to the 16th century in Canterbury, Kent. Over the centuries, the name has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond due to migration and immigration.
Individuals with the surname Finnis have contributed to a variety of fields, including academia, literature, and sports. Notable Finnis individuals include John Finnis, an Australian legal philosopher and Professor at the University of Oxford, and Katy Finnis, a British artist known for her contemporary paintings.
Today, the Finnis surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to its historical roots in the southern counties of England. Variants of the name include Fynnis, Phinnis, and Phinis.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 730 people named Finnis in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,385th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Finnis.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Nigel
- Peter
- Robert
- Steven
- Walter
Female
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Jean
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Melanie
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan