Find out how popular the last name Winns is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Winns.

Winns, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Winns surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Winns in America

Winns is the 47878th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Winns surname appeared 442 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Winns.

We can also compare 2010 data for Winns to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Winns

The surname Winns likely has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to derive from the Old English word "winn," meaning "meadow" or "pasture," indicating that early bearers of the name might have lived near or worked in such grassy areas. The name can be found in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, which were known for their rolling meadows and agricultural landscapes.

One of the earliest records of the surname Winns can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, commissioned by William the Conqueror. Records from this period show the name appearing in various forms, including Wynne and Winn, indicating possible phonetic variations before standardization of spelling. As with many surnames from this era, the changes in spelling reflect the evolving English language and local dialects.

In the late 13th century, a notable bearer of the surname was Richard de Winns, found in Lancashire in 1296. His name provides some evidence of the name's presence in northern England during this period. Another historical mention comes from the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire in 1379, listing a John Wynnes, which shows the enduring presence of the name in that region.

By the 16th century, the Winns surname had become more established, with records showing its use across various parts of England. Thomas Winns, born in 1520 in Yorkshire, is one notable example. Information about him can be found in parish registers, indicating his role as a farmer and landowner, which ties back to the agricultural origins of the name.

In the 17th century, the Winns surname made its way into colonial America. John Winns, born in 1640, was among the early settlers, arriving in Virginia in 1663. His contributions to the early colonial economy and settlement are documented in ship passenger lists and land records, showcasing the spread of the surname beyond England.

The 18th century saw figures like Mary Winns, born in 1702 in Lancashire, who became well-known in her community for her charitable works. Her legacy is mentioned in local church records, demonstrating the continued prominence and community involvement of those bearing the Winns surname.

Overall, the surname Winns has a rich history rooted in England, with connections to agricultural life and the early medieval period. It has evolved over centuries, with notable bearers contributing to its enduring legacy in various regions and even achieving prominence abroad.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Winns

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Winns.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Winns was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Winns has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Winns was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Winns, please contact us.

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