Surname Maynard - Meaning and Origin
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N. Maynard
read moreMaynard: What does the surname Maynard mean?
The surname Maynard is of Old French origin and derives from the Germanic personal name "Meginhard," which is composed of two elements: "megin," meaning strength, and "hard," meaning hardy or brave. So, the overall meaning of Maynard can be interpreted as "strong or hardy strength." It was brought to England by the Normans during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Throughout the centuries, the name's spelling had many alterations due to the way it was pronounced, and over time, it evolved into its current form, Maynard. Today, it is seen as both a first name and a surname in many English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisMaynard: Where does the name Maynard come from?
The surname Maynard originates from a Germanic personal name composed of the elements ‘magin’ meaning strength and ‘hard’ meaning hardy, brave, or strong. It was brought to England through the Normans in the form "Mainard" after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
This name took different forms in various regions of Europe due to the influence of local dialects and languages, such as, "Mesnard" in France and "Magnus" in Scandinavia. It was usually given as a nickname to someone who is brave and strong.
The surname Maynard gained popularity in England and in Normandy, France before making way to English-speaking countries around the world, especially in the United States of America. According to the British surnames database, the highest concentration of people named Maynard in the UK is in the East and West Midlands, followed by London.
In the United States, there is substantial concentration of people with the last name Maynard in the states of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Massachusetts. Today, it remains relatively common in England, France, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Maynard
The surname Maynard is likely of French origin, derived from the old French given name "Mainard," which is composed of the elements "main," meaning "strength," and "hard," meaning "hardy or brave." Other variations include Mainard, Meynard, and Maynerd.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for surnames to shift and change over time - letter might be dropped or added, or the name might be altered slightly in other ways due to regional accents and dialects. As such, less common or historical spellings of Maynard might include Maynarde, Maynar, or Mayner.
As it translates to “strong or brave,” it has counterparts or similar variants in other languages as well, such as Menard in French, Meinhardt in German, Mainardi in Italian etc.
As for surnames of the same origin (i.e., surnames derived from the same root name or with similar meanings), names like Richard (meaning "strong ruler") or Bernard (meaning "brave bear") might be considered, though these aren't direct variants of Maynard.
Like many surnames, it can also be used as a first name, like in the case of the famous musician Maynard James Keenan.
Famous people with the name Maynard
- Kayleigh Maynard, former BBC journalist
- Maston George Maynard, American zoologist
- John Maynard, singer and songwriter
- Gordon Maynard, Canadian lawyer
- Hank Maynard, American Major League Baseball player
- Don Maynard, American Hall of Fame NFL player
- Eddie Maynard, English cricketer
- Jimmy Maynard, English rugby footballer
- Wallace Maynard, American politician
- Edward Maynard, United States Army Brigadier General
- Willa Maynard, American artist
- Anne Maynard, singer-songwriter
- Nelson Maynard, former Chilean footballer
- Jim Maynard, Welsh rugby union footballer
- Keith Maynard, American thoroughbred racehorse trainer
- Pete Maynard, English footballer
- Robert Maynard, American actor
- Sylvie Maynard, French actress
- Susannah Maynard, Australian Paralympic athlete
- Paul Maynard, British politician.