Maine

Overview: Maine is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French word "Main" meaning "hand". The name likely originated as an occupational surname for a person who was skilled with their hands or worked with their hands in some capacity.

Distribution: The Maine surname is geographically spread throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in England, Scotland, and Wales. Over time, the name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants: Variants of the Maine surname include Mayne, Maynes, Main, and Mayn.

Notable Individuals:

  • Sir Henry Sumner Maine (1822–1888): A renowned British jurist and legal historian, known for his works on comparative law and jurisprudence.
  • Cameron Maine (b. 1985): A popular British musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band "The Maine Street".

Coat of Arms: The Maine family coat of arms features a shield with a hand depicted prominently, symbolising the occupational origins of the surname. The crest typically includes elements representing strength, skill, and workmanship.

Legacy: The Maine surname continues to be carried by numerous individuals across the globe, preserving the historical link to craftsmanship and manual skills. Through their accomplishments and contributions, bearers of the Maine surname have left a lasting legacy in various fields, including law, music, literature, and beyond.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H. & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P. & Hodges, F. (1988). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 553 people named Maine in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Maine.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Carl
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Andrea
  • Bernice
  • Claire
  • Ingrid
  • Jacqueline
  • Jean
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sally
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Stella
  • Susan

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