NomOrigine Background

Last Name Fines

What is the origin of the last name Fines?

The surname Fines is believed to have origins rooted in various parts of Europe. It is derived from a variety of sources. In some cases, it could be an occupational name for someone who was a fine collector or a finer (a unit of weight) maker. In other instances, it might be a topographic name for someone who lived near a field or clearing marked with stones (from the Old English word "fine" meaning stone). It's also possible that Fines is a habitational name derived from places called Fines in Normandy and Somerset in France, or Finz in Germany. As with many surnames, its exact origin can be challenging to pinpoint due to the lack of historical records in some regions.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Fines

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fines

The meaning and origin of the last name Fines

The surname Fines is believed to have originated from various sources, reflecting its diverse history. In some cases, it may be derived from the Old French word "fine" or "fin" which means 'end' or 'boundary', indicating someone who lived near a boundary or end of a piece of land. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the English name Finn, meaning 'white'. Another possibility is that Fines could have been an occupational surname for a finer or fuller in the textile trade, derived from the Middle English word "fine," meaning to clean or dress cloth. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname can be traced back to the 13th century in England, where it was documented as Finis and Fynes. Over time, the spelling has evolved through various forms, including Finesse, Finiss, and Finch, but the original meaning remains unclear due to its multiple possible origins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fines

The surname Fines has its highest concentration in Italy, particularly in regions such as Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, suggesting an origin from these areas. A significant number of individuals with the surname Fines can also be found in England, indicating potential Norman or Italian immigration during medieval times. In North America, the name is most prevalent in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, possibly due to French colonization or subsequent migration patterns. Smaller populations of Fines can be found in countries such as the United States, Australia, and South Africa, likely through emigration from Italy or England over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fines

The surname Fines has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transcription errors over time and regional differences in pronunciation. Some common variations include Finis, Fynes, Fineys, Finnes, Feines, Vineys, Vinis, and Vynes. These variations may have originated from a single source but evolved differently as families moved to different regions or intermarried with other families. It's also worth noting that some of these variations may have developed independently, as surnames could be altered based on local traditions, such as dialectical pronunciation or scribal errors during the official recording process.

Famous people with the last name Fines

The Fines surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the realm of academia, John Charles Fines, an Australian geologist and palaeontologist, is renowned for his work on sedimentary basins and fossil-bearing strata. In the world of sports, Chris Fines, a Canadian football player, played as a linebacker in the Canadian Football League (CFL). In music, David Fines, an American cellist, has gained recognition as a member of several orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. Lastly, in the field of journalism, Judith Fines, an English journalist, is known for her work with BBC News, CNN International, and Al Jazeera English. These individuals exemplify the diversity and achievements that can stem from the Fines surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Fines

The surname Fines is believed to have originated from various regions in England, with significant concentrations found in counties such as Essex and Yorkshire. One theory suggests that it's a topographical name for someone who lived near a fine or sandy place, derived from the Old English word "fine" meaning sand or gravel. Another theory links it to a personal name, Finn, which was common among Germanic tribes that invaded England during the Anglo-Saxon period. Over time, the surname has undergone various spelling variations, including Fynes, Fyne, and Finch, due to changes in pronunciation and transcription over the centuries. Notable individuals with this surname include Sir Thomas Fines, a medieval knight, and John Fines, who was a prominent merchant in York during the 14th century.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Fina mercy (Last name)

surnames > fina-mercy

The last name "Fina Mercy" appears to have a Spanish origin. "Fina" is a common Spanish surname that means "fine" or "delicate", while "Mercy" is an English surname derived from th...

Finamore (Last name)

surnames > finamore

The last name "Finamore" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "fin amore," which translates to "end of love" in English. This surname likely originated as a nickname f...

Finasi (Last name)

surnames > finasi

The last name "Finasi" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "finestra," which means "window" in Italian. The name may have originally been used to describe someone who...

Finbar (Last name)

surnames > finbar

The last name Finbar is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish personal name Fionnbharr, meaning "fair-headed", "handsome" or "white hair".

Fincias (Last name)

surnames > fincias

The surname "Fincias" is of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "fines," which means boundaries or limits. This surname was likely given to someone who lived near a bou...

Findy (Last name)

surnames > findy

The last name "Findy" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "MacFhionnlaigh," which means "son of Fair Hero." The name Findy is believed to have originated i...

Fine (Last name)

surnames > fine

The surname "Fine" has multiple origins. It can be of English and Jewish origin. In English-speaking countries, it is a topographic name for someone who lived on a fine, level, or...

Fine art (Last name)

surnames > fine-art

The last name "Fine Art" is not a common surname with a specific origin. It may be a combination of two separate words, "fine" and "art," and could have originated as a surname cho...

Finella (Last name)

surnames > finella

The last name Finella is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name "Fionnlagh", which means "fair hero".

Fíngolo (Last name)

surnames > fingolo

The last name "Fingolo" is of Italian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Italian word "fingo," meaning "I pretend" or "I simulate." This surname may have originated as a...

Finianos (Last name)

surnames > finianos

The last name Finianos is of Lebanese origin. It is derived from the personal name Finian, which is a form of the Latin name Finianus or Finianius. This name was commonly used amon...

Fink (Last name)

surnames > fink

The surname "Fink" is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "finke" meaning finch or small bird. Over time, it was adopted as a surn...

Finkelstein (Last name)

surnames > finkelstein

The surname Finkelstein is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, specifically from Germany and Poland. It is derived from the Yiddish "Finkel" meaning finch or small bird, and "Stein" meani...

Finner (Last name)

surnames > finner

The surname Finner is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "fin" which means "end" or "boundary". It is believed to have been originally used as a topographic...

Finoafrlino (Last name)

surnames > finoafrlino

The last name "finoafrlino" does not appear to have a known origin or meaning in the English language.