The name Thayne has its origins in medieval England, derived from the Old English word "þegn," which referred to a class of landowners and retainers who served the king or a lord. The word is related to the Old Norse "þegn," meaning "servant" or "attendant." The name was initially used to denote a person's social rank and position within the feudal system.

In the early Middle Ages, the title of "Thane" was bestowed upon individuals who held significant lands and served as military leaders or advisors to the monarch. The use of the name Thayne can be traced back to the 9th and 10th centuries, with references found in ancient Anglo-Saxon chronicles and legal documents.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Thayne appears in the epic poem "Beowulf," which dates back to the 8th or 9th century. In the poem, the character of Thayne is mentioned as a trusted advisor and warrior serving the Danish king Hrothgar.

Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance period, several notable individuals bore the name Thayne. One such figure was Thayne Basset, a prominent English nobleman who lived in the 13th century and served as a judge and administrator under King Henry III.

Another historical figure named Thayne was Thayne de Revel, a French knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War and was captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. He was later ransomed and returned to France.

In Scotland, the name Thayne was closely associated with the ancient Pictish kingdom of Dál Riata. The Thanes of Argyll, a powerful family in the region, held significant influence and played a notable role in Scottish history during the medieval period.

One of the most famous individuals named Thayne was Thayne Cameron, a Scottish Jacobite soldier who fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Cameron was killed at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and his bravery and loyalty to the Jacobite cause made him a celebrated figure in Scottish folklore.

Despite its historical significance, the name Thayne gradually fell out of common usage in modern times, although it has been revived in some instances as a unique and distinctive given name.