Surname Mings - Meaning and Origin
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Mings: What does the surname Mings mean?
The surname Mings is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in the regions of England and Scotland. This patronymic surname originated from an ancient given name Ming, which was short for names such as Domingo or Remigius. The suffix “-s” denotes 'son of' thus, Mings essentially means "son of Ming". However, interpretations of the name's meaning can vary slightly depending on regional linguistic differences and historical context. Like other surnames, it initially may have been used to distinguish individuals with the same first name or indicate lineage and familial relationships. Today, it's just a family name passed down through generations without any specific significance attached to it. Please note that names can have different meanings in different cultures and languages.
Order DNA origin analysisMings: Where does the name Mings come from?
The surname Mings is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Middle English personal name Mungo, which itself was derived from the Gaelic name Muineog. The surname appeared in various forms over time, including Mingay, Mingey, and Mings.
Mings first appeared in East Anglia, specifically in Suffolk county where individuals bearing the name were early landowners. The surname Mings might also be locational, denoting individuals who lived in an area abundant with minnows, a type of fish. The Old English term 'mynge' was used to signify minnow.
The Mings surname is relatively less commonly found worldwide, yet it is primarily concentrated in the United States and England today. It is particularly prevalent among the African-American community in the United States. The having of surnames among enslaved Africans was a practice introduced by slaveholders, often adopting the names of their masters, which later became particularly common following Emancipation. It's worth noting an influential bearer of the surname in contemporary times is English professional footballer Tyrone Mings.
Variations of the surname Mings
The surname Mings may have numerous variations and could be related to other surnames depending on its original geographic and linguistic origins. Variations can include spellings such as Ming, Minges, Mingus, Meinig, and Menger.
The surname Ming could be Chinese in origin, where it is often identified with the Ming Dynasty. However, it's also potentially Scottish, tying it to the names like Menzies or Mingus.
Mings could also be related to the German surname Meinig, which evolved into Minges in English-speaking countries. They could also be linked to the German surname Menger, altered in English speaking contexts into Mings or Mingus.
Additionally, inconsistencies in recordings and transcription errors could lead to variations of the surname over generations. Changing the surname's spelling might have been done intentionally for personal, political, or social reasons.
It must be noted that tracing exact origins and variants of a surname may require specific genealogical research including old records, ancestral immigration documents, and comparison of spelling variations over time and locations. The above variants and origins should be considered as probable conjectures unless confirmed by specific family lineage research.
Famous people with the name Mings
- Ming Tsai: Chinese-American celebrity chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality
- Ming-Na Wen: Chinese-American actress, best known for her role in the TV series ER
- Brandon Mings: American professional basketball player
- Helène Ming: French actress and musician
- Ming Hua: British-Chinese voice actress known for her work in video games, TV shows and movies
- Chinese Ming Pottery: The most notable and popular style of porcelain from the Ming Dynasty
- Ming Kim: Korean-American actor and rapper
- Ming Smith: African-American artist and photographer
- Larry Ming: American musician and lead singer of the punk rock band Screeching Weasel
- Christopher Ming Ryan: Award-winning American singer-songwriter and producer