Surname Baines - Meaning and Origin

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Baines: What does the surname Baines mean?

The surname Baines is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term "ban" which means "bone." It was traditionally given as a nickname to someone who was particularly thin or lean, similar to the phrase "skin and bones." It was very common in medieval times to create surnames based on a person's physical characteristics, trades, or locations. In some cases, the name Baines could also be related to the Old French term "bain," which refers to a public bath. In this context, it might indicate the profession of an ancestor who was responsible for maintaining public baths. The name Baines is primarily found in the northern counties of England, particularly in Yorkshire. Over time, many variations of the surname have also surfaced, including Bayne, Bain, Bane, Baine, and Baynes among others.

Baines: Where does the name Baines come from?

The surname Baines is of English origin and traces its roots back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It is derived from the Old English personal name, "Bana," meaning 'slayer'. It could also be a topographic name for someone who lived near a bathhouse, derived from the Middle English word "bane," meaning 'bone' but also used in northwestern England for a bath or a bathing house.

In its early form, the name was recorded as "de Baines" in the Assize Court Rolls of Yorkshire in 1219 and as "Banes" in the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1273. Later it appeared in the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire as "Baynes."

Today, Baines is common in England, particularly in the northern part of the country. The name also has presence in Scotland and Wales. Due to historical emigration, it can also be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, England still remains the area with the highest concentration of this surname.

Variations of the surname Baines

The surname Baines has variations and similar spellings such as Banes, Baynes, Bains, Bain, and Beans. In some cases, it can also be a variant of the surname 'Baines' which is an English surname of either French or Old English origin.

The surname Baines is also thought to have regional forms including 'de Bains' in France and 'Van Baines' in Flanders and the Netherlands. In Scotland, the names 'Bain' or 'Bainbridge' have often been used interchangeably with Baines.

It is worth noting that these surnames may have different meanings and origins despite the similarities in spellings as they evolved independently in different regions. For instance, the surname Baines is said to have occupational origins, derived from 'bain' in Middle English which refers to a public bath. On the other hand, 'Bain' is commonly a Scottish surname and derives from the Gaelic 'Bàn' meaning 'white or fair'. Furthermore, Baines could derive from a place name such as Baines in Lancashire or Bainbridge in North Yorkshire distinguishing those who hailed from these areas.

Various family crests and coats of arms have been associated with these surnames, and they are prevalent in regions such as England, Scotland, France, and the United States.

Famous people with the name Baines

• Eddie Baines: A former NBA basketball player.
• Conrad Baines: An actor known for his role in the series "Sanford and Son".
• Lyndon B. Johnson (Lyndon Baines Johnson): The 36th President of the United States.
• Harold Baines: An American former professional baseball player who spent much of his career with the Chicago White Sox.
• Michael Baines: An actor known for his roles in the movies "JFK" and "Lethal Weapon 3".
• Gareth Baines: A footballer who played for the Northern Ireland national team.
• Leighton Baines: An English professional footballer who played for Everton FC and the English national team.
• Kathleen Byron (born Kathleen Elizabeth Felgueiras Baines): An English actress, famous for her role in "Black Narcissus".
• Chris Baines: A British naturalist, broadcaster and author.
• Edward Baines: A British newspaper editor and Member of Parliament.
• Barbara Baines: An English cricketer.
• Henry Baines: An English historian and antiquary.
• Thomas Baines: An English artist and explorer.
• Arthur Baines: A British Army officer
• Cyril Baines: A professional football player.
• Ella Baines: A former Australian senator.
• Paul Baines: A professor at Warwick Business School.

Other surnames

Baine