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Last Name Staines

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What is the origin of the last name Staines?

The surname "Staines" is of English origin and is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Staines-upon-Thames located in Middlesex, England. The name of the town comes from the Old English words "stan" meaning stone or stony, and "hām" meaning homestead or settlement. Thus, the surname Staines is a topographic name for someone who lived near a stony area or came from the town of Staines-upon-Thames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Staines

The meaning and origin of the last name Staines

The surname Staines is of English origin, derived from various locations named Staines in England. The earliest records date back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where it was known as "Staenes" or "Stanhes," meaning 'stony place' or 'place of stones.' This name was given to several places due to their geographical characteristics, such as Staines-upon-Thames in Middlesex and Staines in Buckinghamshire. Over time, the spelling evolved to the current form, Staines, and it became a common surname among residents of these areas. Notable individuals with the surname include English cricketer Graham Staines and Australian footballer Mark Staines.

Geographical distribution of the last name Staines

The surname Staines is predominantly found in England and Ireland. In England, it is most concentrated in areas such as Surrey, Middlesex, and Berkshire, which are counties located in the southeast of England. This region is where the name originated, with the town of Staines-upon-Thames being a significant location. The surname also has a presence in other parts of England, though less concentrated. In Ireland, the surname is found primarily in County Roscommon and County Longford, where it likely originates from Anglo-Norman settlers. Additionally, smaller populations of people with the Staines surname can be found in other English-speaking countries due to migration, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Staines

The surname Staines has several variants and spellings due to various factors such as phonetic spelling interpretations, historical record errors, or regional dialects. Some common variations include Stains, Steinys, Stenis, Stynes, Stanies, Steynes, and Steyness. These variations may also be found in different countries where the name has been introduced by immigration. For example, the name can be found as Steinès in France or Steinass in Germany, reflecting local language influences on spelling. It is important to note that these variants are not necessarily linked to specific ethnicities or national origins, but rather represent changes over time and place in the way names have been recorded and passed down through families.

Famous people with the last name Staines

Notable individuals with the surname Staines include:

1. James Staines (1936-2007), an Irish politician who served as Minister for Finance and Public Service from 1987 to 1989, as well as a Teachta Dála (TD) representing the Dublin South-Central constituency from 1977 to 1992.

2. John Staines (born 1943), an English actor best known for his roles in British television series such as "The Sweeney," "Z-Cars," and "Minder."

3. Nick Staines (born 1985), a professional rugby union player who played for the London Irish and Wasps in the English Premiership. He also represented England at international level.

4. Richard Staines (1670-1728), an English scientist and inventor, who developed one of the first practical air pumps. His work was significant in the development of pneumatics and contributed to Robert Boyle's work on the properties of air.

5. William Staines (1943–2017), a Canadian singer-songwriter known for composing hundreds of folk, country, and children's songs, including "The Maritime Waltz," "This Land," and "Little Red Wagon." He was also a recipient of the Order of Canada.

Genealogical research on the last name Staines

The Staines surname is believed to have originated from various locations named "Stane" or "Stanes" in England, which derive from the Old English word "stan," meaning stone. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a Richard de Stanes is listed as a landholder in Essex. The family later migrated to Middlesex and Surrey, with some branches spreading to other parts of England and Ireland over centuries. The Staines-Wourtz and Staines-Massey families are notable descendants who held significant positions in English history, including Sir Richard Staines, a knight under King Henry VIII, and Sir John Staines-Massey, a prominent lawyer during the reign of Charles I. The name also spread to North America through early colonial settlements in Virginia and Massachusetts, with notable American bearers including James Staines, who was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1786. Today, Staines is a common surname in England, Ireland, and various countries where English settlers have emigrated, with notable modern-day personalities including British broadcaster Matt Staines and Irish rugby player Fionnuala Staines.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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