Winney

The surname Winney is of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Winnie" which itself is a pet form of the male given name "Wine." The name "Wine" is of Old English and pre 7th-century origins, and means "friend" or "protector". The surname Winney is classified as a metronymic surname, indicating descent from a female ancestor named Winnie.

Distribution

The surname Winney is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent. However, its presence can also be traced to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals

  • George Winney (1843–1907): A British engineer known for his contributions to the field of mechanical engineering.
  • Susan Winney (b. 1965): A contemporary British artist noted for her abstract paintings.
  • Jonathan Winney (b. 1980): An English actor who has appeared in various theatre productions and films.

Variants

Variants of the surname Winney include Winny and Winy. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have evolved due to factors such as regional dialects and phonetic spelling.

Heraldic Arms

The Winney family crest features elements such as a shield with distinctive symbols and colours, along with other heraldic motifs that signify the family's lineage and heritage.

In summary, the surname Winney, with its roots in Old English personal names, is a notable and distinguished surname within the British Isles, reflecting a rich history and diverse legacy.

There are approximately 701 people named Winney in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,693rd most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Winney.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Trevor

Female

  • Ann
  • Christine
  • Emma
  • Janw
  • Jl
  • Joanne
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • 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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