Last Name Ginieres

The surname Ginières has French origins. It is derived from a place name, specifically a village named Ginières located in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of France. Surnames originated as a way to distinguish individuals with common names during the Middle Ages, often taking their names from their place of origin. In this case, the surname Ginières was likely given to someone who was from or associated with the village of Ginières in France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ginieres

The meaning and origin of the last name Ginieres

The surname Ginieres is of French origin, specifically from the region of Normandy. It is derived from various place names within this region that bear the same name. The name "Ginieres" itself is believed to have come from several different locations, such as "La Ginière" in Calvados or "Les Guernières" in Eure, both of which are named after the plantain ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior), often referred to as "guignier" in French. The surname would have been originally given as a topographic name to someone who lived near one of these places, or perhaps to someone who was from that particular region. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have varied due to migration and other factors. Today, the surname Ginieres is found primarily in France but also in countries with a significant French diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ginieres

The surname Ginieres is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in Brittany and Normandy regions. It originates from these areas, where it has been passed down through generations for centuries. Outside of France, the distribution of the surname Ginieres is relatively low. Some individuals carrying this name can be found in countries with a strong French immigration history, such as Canada, the United States, and various European nations. However, its frequency outside of France remains comparatively low compared to its original homeland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ginieres

The surname Ginieres has various spellings and variations, reflecting regional differences and transcription errors over time. Some of these include: Gineres, Genières, Génières, Jeneres, Jennères, Geniérs, and others. These variations can be found across different countries and regions where the name may have been transmitted, such as France or its former colonies. It is essential to note that these differences do not necessarily indicate distinct surnames but rather different ways of spelling the same family name. The original spelling and pronunciation might have evolved over generations due to factors like immigration, linguistic assimilation, and historical recording practices.

Famous people with the last name Ginieres

Notable individuals with the surname Gineres include:

1. Francisco Giner de los Ríos (1839-1915), a Spanish educational reformer, philosopher, and pedagogue, who co-founded the Instituto Libre de Enseñanza, one of the most influential educational institutions in Spain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

2. José Giner de los Ríos (1854-1939), a Spanish historian, politician, and philosopher, best known for his work on the history of Spanish literature and his role as President of the First Republic of Spain from 1931 to 1933.

3. Manuel Giner (born 1970), a Spanish tennis player who reached a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 12 in doubles in 1995, and won three Grand Slam titles in the mixed doubles event.

4. Carlos Gimeno Giner (born 1986), a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for CD Lugo.

5. Alejandro Gómez Giner (born 1983), a Spanish politician from the Citizens Party, serving as the Minister of Justice and Liberties in the government of Pedro Sánchez since 2020.

Genealogical research on the last name Ginieres

The surname Ginières originates from France and is primarily found in Normandy and Brittany regions. One of the earliest records of the name can be traced back to the 13th century, with the spelling Guinieres being recorded in the cartulary of Mont-Saint-Michel in 1260. Over time, variations in the spelling of the name arose due to changes in pronunciation and regional dialects. Some common variants include Gineyres, Guinières, and Guinieres. The name is believed to have originated from a place name or a personal name of pre-Roman origin. However, specific origins are not definitively established for the surname Ginières. Notable individuals with this surname include Pierre Ginières (1560-1629), a French writer and scholar, and Alexandre Ginières (born 1833), a French politician and Minister of Public Instruction.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "ginieres"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 30 July 2025

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