Gissing

Gissing is a British surname with roots dating back to the medieval period. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "gis," meaning "hostage" or "pledge."

The surname Gissing is believed to have originated in the East Anglia region of England, particularly in Norfolk. It is thought to have been a metonymic occupational name for someone involved in the taking of hostages or a nickname for a person who was held as a guarantee for the payment of money or services.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Gissing include the renowned English novelist George Gissing (1857–1903), known for his works exploring social class, poverty, and morality in Victorian society.

Today, the surname Gissing is relatively rare but continues to be found primarily in the United Kingdom, particularly in Norfolk and surrounding areas. It may also be encountered in other English-speaking countries where descendants of Gissing families have settled.

Overall, the surname Gissing has a rich history and is associated with individuals who have made notable contributions to literature and other fields.

There are approximately 527 people named Gissing in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Gissing.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Chris
  • Graham
  • Jason
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Simon
  • Steven

Female

  • Christine
  • Cindy
  • Dawn
  • Jayne
  • Joanne
  • Linda
  • Louise
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Veronica

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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