Surname Haines - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: Understanding the Haines Lineage Through Advanced Genetic Research

Having undertaken the iGENEA DNA test, I found the technical process smooth, non-invasive and highly professional. The results were processed reasonably quickly, were accurate and gave a comprehensive understanding of my Genetics. This encouraged me to understand better the Haines Surname and its predominant linkage with Western Europe, especially Germany and the UK.

Y. Haines

Haines: What does the surname Haines mean?

The last name "Haines" is of English and French origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Hain" or "Hayne" which is the short form of the various Germanic compound names with the first element "hagin" meaning "hedge" or "enclosure". In the French origin, it is also related to the old Germanic name "Hagano" which means "hawthorn". The name was usually given to someone living by a hedged enclosure or a distinctive hawthorn hedge. Over time, the name has seen several variations in its spelling such as Haynes, Hains, Hain, Haine, and other forms. The name was first found in Lincolnshire, England where the family held a family seat. Notably, "Haines" belongs to a class of surnames that were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads or geographic features of the countryside.

Haines: Where does the name Haines come from?

The surname Haines has its origin from the Old English personal name Hægen, which means "hawthorn". This name is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the invasion in 1066. The name could also be geographic, from the Old English "hægen" meaning enclosure, referring to those living near such a landmark. There are also places named Hain, Haine, and Haines in France, which could have resulted to this surname.

Today, it is common in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, Haines is particularly prevalent in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida. In England, it is especially common in the southern counties. However, regardless of its relative popularity in these areas, Haines is considered quite a rare surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname Haines

The surname Haines has numerous variants, alternate spellings, and surnames of the same origin, often due to regional differences and phonetic spellings. These include Haynes, Hanes, Hains, Hayns, Hayn, Hayen, Heynes, Heines, Heins, Heinns, Haynas, Hanys, Hanyss, Haynis, Hainess, Hainson, Haynson, and Hainsey. This surname originated from pre 7th century Geatish name "Hagano," which later became "Haganus" in Latin. It's also associated with the old English word "heghen," or the old French "haguin," each meaning "hedge," so it may have been a topographical name for someone who lived by a hedge or enclosure. Haines might also have been derived from a short version of the personal name Johannes or John. Finally, it might be a patronymic surname, derived from the father's given name, as in "Hayne's son" or "son of Hayne." Variations in the spelling often occurred when the name was given based on oral tradition, leading to a diverse range of derived names.

Famous people with the name Haines

• Maura Haines: a film and television actress from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Christopher Haines: an internationally renowned singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist
• Laura Haines: award-winning American poet, novelist, lyricist, and screenwriter
• David Haines: British aid worker who was tragically killed by the Islamic State in 2014
• Joel Haines: American actor and stuntman who has acted in shows such as “The Walking Dead” and “Breaking Bad”
• Stuart Haines: British jazz and reggae musician and member of the funk group The Brand New Heavies
• Dave Haines: Canadian baseball broadcaster and sportscaster
• Roland Haines: American aviator and businessman
• Corrie Haines: former professional hockey player and assistant coach in the National Hockey League
• Vance Haines: Air Force veteran and former president and CEO of Brigham Young University–Idaho

Other surnames

HaineHainerHainesworthHainey