Last Name Gurney

The surname "Gurney" is of English origin. It is an Anglicized form of various continental European names derived from the Old French "gourn(e)i," meaning "grinder." This could have referred to a miller or someone who used a grindstone for some occupation. Another theory suggests it might be a nickname for someone with a protruding jaw, as "gurney" is thought to mean "projecting chin" in various dialects of Old French. The name may also be connected to the Gournay river in Normandy, and could have been an occupational name for someone who lived near this waterway.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gurney

The meaning and origin of the last name Gurney

The surname Gurney is an Anglo-Saxon name that originally derives from Old English "gyre" (meaning 'gyr'), combined with either "nagel" (meaning 'nail') or "neyt" (meaning 'net'). In this context, the name would have referred to someone who was a worker in metal, specifically a blacksmith, or possibly someone who worked with nets. The spelling of the name has evolved over time, from Gyerni, Gyrni, Gerni in Old English, to Gurney as it is known today. The name is most commonly found in England and the United States, and it first appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its long history within Anglo-Saxon society.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gurney

The surname Gurney is predominantly found in England, particularly in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, where it originated from medieval times. The name also has a significant presence in Devon and Cornwall. In Scotland, it is concentrated mainly in Fife and Perthshire. Additionally, descendants of the Gurneys who emigrated during the 17th century can be found in North America, particularly in the United States, especially in New England and Virginia, as well as in Canada. The Gurney family also has a notable presence in Australia, primarily in Victoria and New South Wales, due to immigration during the colonial era.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gurney

The surname Gurney can be found with various spellings and variations throughout history and different regions. Some common spelling variations include Gourney, Gunney, Gunnee, Gournay, and Goureni. These variations may have originated due to differences in transcription, pronunciation, or regional dialects over time. It is also possible that some of these spellings represent distinct family branches or separate origins. The name Gurney, which can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, is thought to derive from either the Old English "gyrwan" meaning "to grind," referring to a miller, or the Old French "gournier" meaning "carrion crow." As with many surnames, the exact origin and meaning of Gurney may vary depending on specific family histories.

Famous people with the last name Gurney

Prominent individuals sharing the last name Gurney include:

1. Edmund Gurney (1847-1888), an English spiritualist, physician, psychical researcher, and author known for his work on hypnotism and spirit communication. He co-founded the Society for Psychical Research in 1882.

2. Arthur Gurney (1850-1932), a British colonial administrator who served as the first Governor of Fiji from 1874 to 1883, and later as the first Governor of Hong Kong from 1887 to 1898.

3. Richard Gurney (1618-1668), an English actor who was one of the leading actors of his day during the Commonwealth period, making significant contributions to the Restoration of theatre in England.

4. John Henry Gurney (1793-1875), a British Quaker banker, philanthropist, and radical political reformer who co-founded the National Equitable Labour Exchange, an early form of time banking.

5. Michael Gurney (born 1960), a Canadian actor and stuntman best known for his roles in films like "Die Hard" and "Total Recall." He also served as second unit director on numerous productions, including the "Fast & Furious" franchise.

Genealogical research on the last name Gurney

The surname Gurney is of English origin and is derived from a place name, either Great Norreigh (Gurnay) or Little Norreigh (Little Gurnay), both in the county of Norfolk. The first recorded spelling of the name was found in the 13th century as de Gernai and de Guneri. Over the centuries, variations in the spelling of the surname include Gurneye, Gurnia, Gurnay, Gorney, Gorning, Garnie, and Garni. The family name is believed to have originated from a Norman knight named Ralf de Gernai who settled in Norfolk after the Conquest of 1066. Some notable figures with the surname Gurney include Sir Thomas Gurney, Member of Parliament for Norwich in the late 14th century; John Gurney, founder of the Gurney Coal Mining Company in the 19th century; and Mary Gurney, a Quaker who campaigned for prison reform in the 18th century. The family has also had connections with the wool trade, banking, and naval service throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gurney"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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