Surname Joynt - Meaning and Origin

Joynt: What does the surname Joynt mean?

The last name Joynt is of English and Irish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Seanbhuidhe (MacShanavy). This was originally a family name denoting a person of the same name, which came from the ancient Irish clan of the same name. The name is derived from the Irish seanbhÍdh, meaning ‘handsome’ or ‘comely’. In other parts of Ireland, such as County Mayo, the name has become simplified to MacShanavy. In the US, the last name Joynt is of both English and Irish origin with many having arrived on American shores in the early to mid-20th century.

In its early spelling records, Joynt appears as John’s, but the modern spelling appeared in the nineteenth century and appears to be migratory in nature, occurring in parts of Leinster, Ulster and even American records.

The Joynt family enjoyed a certain degree of respect and power in their native land, with some having prominent roles in Irish law courts and in other institutions of power and having extensive, if not large, land holdings.

Today, the Joynt surname remains strong in parts of the United States, Ireland and Australia as well as other English-speaking lands, and affords holders of the name a certain degree of dignity and respect, and is a reminder of the proud heritage and deep roots of a people who have endured through generations.

Joynt: Where does the name Joynt come from?

The last name Joynt is most commonly found in the United States, where it was first established by settlers of the same surname in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Joynt name was brought to the US during a time of great immigration to the country, and it is believed to have originated in Ireland. It is commonly found in the states of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. The 2000 US Census conducted by the US government revealed the Joynt name to be most concentrated in New York State, where 5.5% of people have the surname.

The Joynt surname can also been found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Liverpool, where the Joynts family emigrated from Ireland in the late 19th century. Additionally, it is believed the Joynt name is of German origin, and can be found in parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Lastly, the Joynt name has been recorded in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Due to the Joynt surname being widespread and having multiple origin points, it is not possible to pinpoint the exact geographical location of its most common locale. However, the surname remains relatively popular and is present in many places around the world.

Variations of the surname Joynt

The surname Joynt is an anglicized spelling of the Irish surname 'Mac Eoin' or 'Mac Eoinn' which is derived from the given name 'Eoinn' meaning 'God-graced'.

The variant spellings of Joynt are Jon, Joant, Joint, Jojnt, Jiont, Jynt and Jont.

The surname is understood to have been borne by several unrelated families:

* a sept of Uí FiachrachMuaidhe (now Mayo County) which anglicized the name as Joynt;

* a sept of Uí Maine (now Galway and Roscommon counties) which anglicized the name as Jon;

* a sept of Airgíalla (now County Monaghan) which anglicized the name as Joant;

* a sept of Uí Fhathaigh (now County Clare) which anglicized the name as Joint;

* a sept of Cineál Dhálaigh (now County Westmeath) which anglicized the name as Jojnt.

Variant surnames of Joynt include Jong, Joynter, O'John, Johns, Johnstone, Johnsohn, Johnson, O'Joy, Joynes, Joyson, Jonas, Johanns, Jonssenn, Jones, Junes, Joannes, Jenna and Janyne.

Famous people with the name Joynt

• John Joynt: John Joynt is a former National Basketball Association (NBA) player who played from 1960 to 1962. He was a 4th round pick of the Syracuse Nationals in the 1960 NBA Draft.
• Mark Joynt: Mark Joynt is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender who played nine seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He appeared in one game in 1985-86 with the Edmonton Oilers.
• Joey Joynt: Joey Joynt is a rapper, singer, songwriter, executive, and activist whose songwriting credits have included hits from artists like Chance the Rapper, Lil Yachty, and Ro James.
• Rick Joynt: Rick Joynt is a stand-up comedian and a member of the Chicago alternative comedy scene. He has starred in shows on Comedy Central and performed at Sketchfest, the Chicago Underground Comedy Festival, and the Just For Laughs Festival in Chicago.
• Samantha Joynt: Samantha Joynt is an American artist and curatorial director, primarily focused on exhibitions focused on themes of identity, race, and LGBTQ and women's issues.
• Carole Joynt: Carole Joynt is a writer and former television news anchor who served as the main news anchor at NBC affiliate WRC-TV, in Washington, DC. She is the former chair of the Little Visiting Nurse Association.
• Julia Joynt: Julia Joynt is the Executive Director of the Peer Health Exchange, a national organization that works to empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy decisions.
• Laura Joynt: Laura Joynt is the founder of Boundless Beauty, a health and beauty wellness business. She is also a speaker and life coach.
• Sam Joynt: Sam Joynt is the former CEO for Vineyard Wind, a leading developer of offshore wind energy projects in the United States.

Other surnames

JoynerJoynes

Comments or additions to the name "Joynt"

19.12.2023
The name "Joynt" is also of French origin as it comes from the old French word "joint"