Winn

The surname Winn is of Old English origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Win(n)". The name is a variant of "Win(na)", a short form of various compound names beginning with the element "wine", meaning "friend". The surname Winn is recorded in many spellings, including Win, Winn, Wyn, Wynn, and Winne.

Distribution and Early Origins

The surname Winn is distributed throughout England, with concentrations in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Norfolk. Early instances of the surname can be traced back to the 12th century, indicating its long history in the British Isles.

Notable Bearers

Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Winn have achieved prominence in various fields. Some notable bearers of the name include:

  • Sir Richard Winn, a distinguished military commander during the Tudor period.
  • Evelyn Winn, a renowned Victorian-era poet and author.
  • Harriet Winn, a notable suffragette who played a key role in the women's rights movement in the early 20th century.

Modern Usage

In contemporary times, the surname Winn continues to be present in the British population, with descendants of the name found in different regions across the United Kingdom and beyond. The name reflects a sense of heritage and connection to the past, embodying a legacy of friendship and community.

There are approximately 4,547 people named Winn in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,062nd most common surname in Britain. Around 70 in a million people in Britain are named Winn.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Claire
  • Dawn
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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