Surname Gaynor - Meaning and Origin

Gaynor: What does the surname Gaynor mean?

The surname Gaynor is of Irish and Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Gaelic surname O'Gaynradh and the Old English given name Gegner, respectively. A literal translation of the Irish name O'Gaynradh is “descendant of Gaynor,” with the former being a personal name derived from the Latin term “Gaius” meaning “rejoicer.”

In Irish Gaelic tradition, “Gaimhreadh” was an old personal name for men used in the ancient kingdom of Ulster; this is thought to be the origin of the name Gaynor. The term itself is somewhat unique in that its roots can be traced to both Celtic and Latin origins.

In the United States, the Gaynor surname is found in various records dating all the way back to the 1600s in Massachusetts. Additionally, the first recorded Gaynor in Ireland dates back to the 13th century where the surname was found in County Wexford. In other countries, Gaynor can be found in Scotland and England. In Scotland, the surname is thought to have derived from the name Gawain—a popular name at the time.

Ultimately, the Gaynor surname is one with a rich Irish background, representing both Celtic and Latin roots. Although the meaning of the name has all but faded away over the centuries, its legacy will remain strongly rooted in its origin story for years to come.

Gaynor: Where does the name Gaynor come from?

The last name Gaynor is commonly found in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland today. The United States is home to more than 82,000 people with the last name Gaynor spread throughout the country. The largest concentration is found in California and Texas with around 13,000 and 9,000 people respectively.

The United Kingdom is home to around 7,000 Gaynors. This is primarily concentrated in London and the South East, although a significant number of Gaynors are also found in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Canada is home to more than 4,500 Gaynors, with most living in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

Lastly, about 3,500 Gaynors live in Ireland, with most found in Dublin and rural areas around the country.

Gaynors are of Irish, Scottish, and English ancestry. The Gaynor name is of Gaelic origin, and its literal meaning is ‘the one who is brave and strong’. Most Gaynors had their roots associated with the noble families of Ireland.

The Gaynors were originally found surrounding Louth, Sligo, Belfast and Dublin. However, during the seventeenth century, many Gaynors were part of the exodus of Irish immigrants to the US and England.

The Gaynor name lives on today as a reflection of the family’s proud and strong culture.

Variations of the surname Gaynor

The variant spellings for the surname Gaynor include Gainer, Gainor, Gaylor, Gainer, Gayer, Gaynor, and Gaynar. Gaynor is an English and Scottish surname with Gaelic roots.

The surname Gaynor is believed to have descended from the pre-10th century Old Gaelic Mac Eidhneur, which, when literally translated, means "son of the extreme one". The Gaelic word Eidhneur is based on the Latin word Extremus, which translates to "outermost", "utmost", or "highest". It is thought to have originally been a nickname for somebody considered to be brave and highly courageous.

Variations of the spelling of the name Gaynor can be found in all parts of Ireland, including Galway, Cork, Waterford, Kerry, and Wexford. It is also found in the English counties of Lancashire, Staffordshire, and Surrey.

The name Gainer can be found primarily in the counties of Yorksire and Lancashire. The alternate spelling of Gainor is found more widely. Gaylor is predominantly seen in Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. Gayer can be found in Cheshire and Gainer in Shropshire. Gaynar, however, is a less common variant that is found in Northern Ireland, mostly in County Down.

Famous people with the name Gaynor

• Mitzi Gaynor: an American actress, singer and dancer
• Vanessa Gaynor: an American actress
• June Gaynor: an American actress
• Frank Gaynor: a stunt performer, writer, producer and director
• Gilbert Gaynor: an American director and producer
• Bruce Gaynor: an American actor
• Don Gaynor: a former Australian rules footballer
• David Gaynor: an American actor
• Cliff Gaynor: an American actor
• Andy Gaynor: a former American Major League Baseball player

Other surnames

GaalGaalayGaalenGaaleyGaalyGaarmannGabbardGabberGabbertGabeGabehartGabelGäbelGabelbergerGabeleGäbeleGäbeleinGabelenzGabelerGäbelerGabellGabelmannGabelsbergerGabeltGäbeltGabeneschGabenischGabenneschGaberleGäberlein