Surname Hynde - Meaning and Origin

Hynde: What does the surname Hynde mean?

Hynde is a surname of Northern English, specifically Yorkshire, origin. It is derived from the Middle English term "hinde," which means "female deer." However, in a socio-cultural context, it is conjectured to refer to a "servant," or someone who is considered modest or gentle in disposition, much like the characteristics attributed to a female deer. Furthermore, it could also possibly trace its roots back to the Old English term “hine” which translates as “domestic servant” or “farm laborer.” It is also worth noting that geographical locations such as Hinderwell in Yorkshire could have influenced the creation of the surname. The spelling variations for this name include Hind, Hinde, Hynd, and others. Like many surnames, its exact origins can be difficult to pinpoint, as they have evolved over centuries due to factors like regional dialects, literacy levels, and cultural blending. Overall, the surname Hynde represents a fascinating snippet of historical linguistics, social structure, and regional identity wrapped up in a family name.

Hynde: Where does the name Hynde come from?

The surname Hynde is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the Old English term "hinde" meaning a female deer. It may have originally been a nickname for a timid person or possibly a metonymic occupational name for a keeper of deer. The surname first appears in historical documents in the late 12th century in England.

The name is most commonly found in England, specifically in London, Lincolnshire, and Essex. The Hynde family has a rich history and holds a family seat in the English county of Lincolnshire since early times. Some of the family migrated to Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in 1172. In modern times, it has spread to various countries including the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. However, the concentration remains highest in England. Notable people with the surname Hynde include Chrissie Hynde, an American singer-songwriter and a member of the rock band The Pretenders.

Variations of the surname Hynde

The surname Hynde carries an Anglo-Saxon origin. This English surname exists in different variants that also reflect the exact origin or regional dialects. Variants include Hind, Hinde, Hinds, Hynd, Hyndes, and Hynds. Historical documents often showcase the surname as "atte Hinde", referring to a residence or occupation related to a deer, supporting the occupational theory of the surname's origin.

Similarly, spelling variations such as Heinde, Hend, Hynd, Hynde, Hynnde, and so on emerged from the Middle Ages through the eighteenth century, mainly due to scribes recording a name as it sounded, leading to different spellings among regions.

The Hinde surname and its variants can be seen throughout the British Isles, with family roots primarily in Northern England and Scotland. It is also quite common in Ireland, where it may sometimes be a variant of the Irish surname Hine. 'Hindson' too can be considered a variant of the surname as it means "son of Hind."

Despite these different forms, all variations share the same root, emerging from the old words "hinde," referring to a female deer, related either to a residence in a deer park or an occupation as a keeper of deer.

Famous people with the name Hynde

• Chrissie Hynde: Singer, songwriter, and musician, founding member and lead singer of the Pretenders
• Billy Hynde: Grandson of Chrissie Hynde, musician and artist
• Kent Hynde: son of Chrissie Hynde, musician and artist
• Colin Hynde: Son of Chrissie Hynde, musician, singer and songwriter
• Richard Hynde: Musician and and improviser who specializes in jazz and classical music
• Chris Hynde: Singer and songwriter, founding member of the band ‘Just Hynde’
• Craig Hynde: Musician and former member of the punk rock band ‘Less Than Jake’
• Angela Hynde: Former model and daughter of Chrissie Hynde
• Neil Hynde: Former professional baseball pitcher in the minor leagues
• Jack Hynde: American football player for the New York Giants

Other surnames

Hynd