Last Name Gins

The surname Gins is believed to have originated from various sources, depending on different regions and families. One theory suggests that it might be a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, derived from Middle English "gyn" (genus) or Old French "gin(e)" (reddish-brown), although this is more commonly found as the surname Gin or Jones. Another theory traces the name to the medieval Germanic personal name Kinziar or Kunzel, which was later Latinized as Cynsius, and eventually evolved into Gins in certain regions. It's also possible that the name is a locational surname from places named with the Old English word "gegn" (edge) or "gygen" (wild goose), such as Ginges in Norfolk or Gigney in France. However, it's important to note that these are just theories and the true origin of a particular family's name may not always be definitively known. For a more accurate understanding, genealogical research is often needed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gins

The meaning and origin of the last name Gins

The surname Gins is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, derived from various places named Ginz or Ginzburg in Germany, Poland, Russia, and other parts of Eastern Europe. The name is thought to be topographical, meaning "from the bend" or "curved place," as several towns with these names were located near bends in rivers. It's also possible that it could have originated from a medieval personal name, Genz, which was derived from the Old High German name Gundizario. This surname has been variously spelled over the centuries, including Ginsburg, Ginzberg, and Gins.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gins

The surname Gins is predominantly distributed across Eastern and Central Europe, with significant concentrations in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Russia. It is also found in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The name may have originated from various locations in Eastern Europe, including Ginzberg, a town in present-day Lithuania, or Ginzburg, a town in present-day Russia. In North America, the name has been carried by Jewish immigrants from these European regions, with large populations found in the United States and Canada. The distribution of the surname reflects the historical migration patterns of Eastern European Jews, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gins

The surname Gins has several variations and spellings, mainly due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variants include:

1. Gins (most common)
2. Genz
3. Ginz
4. Jens (possibly a variation or phonetic alteration)
5. Geinz (less common, might be found among German-speaking populations)
6. Gene (shortened version, possibly an Americanized spelling)
7. Jennings (a more elaborate form with Anglo-Saxon origins, though not directly related to Gins)
8. Jynx (an uncommon nickname or alteration, but not a typical surname derived from Gins)
9. Gyns (a rare spelling variant, possibly found among Scandinavian populations)
10. Genes (rare Americanized form of Gins or Jennings)

Famous people with the last name Gins

Notable individuals with the surname Gins include:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020), an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from 1993 until her death in 2020. Known for her strong liberal views and her persistent advocacy for gender equality, she was the second woman ever to serve on the court.

Jonathan Ginsburg (born 1967), a British-American astrophysicist known for his work on galaxy evolution, active galactic nuclei, and high-redshift quasars. He is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

David Ginsburg (1932-2004), an American artist who worked primarily in printmaking, painting, and sculpture. His work focused on abstract expressionism and was inspired by his experiences during World War II.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and left lasting impacts on society.

Genealogical research on the last name Gins

The surname Gins originates from Germany and is derived from the Middle High German "ginne" meaning "mill." Early records show that the name was first documented in the region of Bavaria, where it is believed to have been a topographic surname indicating someone who lived near a mill or worked at one.

The family spread to other parts of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries due to religious and economic migrations. In particular, many Gins families emigrated from Germany to Russia during the 18th century. The Russian branch of the Gins family later became prominent in the Jewish community, with some members becoming influential figures in commerce, politics, and the arts.

Notable individuals with the surname Gins include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Michael Ginsberg, a notable American musician and record producer. The spelling variations of the name include Ginz, Ginsburg, and Ginzburg.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gins"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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