Show ContentsGwyneth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Gwyneth family

The surname Gwyneth was first found in Herefordshire, where they held a family seat on the Welsh border. The Celtic resistance north and south along the border of Wales and England was considerably increased after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The Normans met more resistance from the Welsh than in the rest of England. The Welsh fought from behind their hills and mountains and tenaciously held their ground. Finally, Edward 1st, to placate this founding nation, conferred the principality of Wales upon his eldest son, who became Edward II. This brought Wales into England as an equal while the King was alive, and integral part of the royal title when on the throne. Edward III confirmed and all Princes of Wales were presented to the Welsh people at Caernarvon Castle. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Welsh surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Gwyneth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gwyneth research. Another 151 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1510, 1543, 1600 and 1717 are included under the topic Early Gwyneth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gwyneth Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Gwinnett, Gwinet, Gwinett, Gwinnet and others.

Early Notables of the Gwyneth family

More information is included under the topic Early Gwyneth Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gwyneth family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..


Contemporary Notables of the name Gwyneth (post 1700) +

  • Gwyneth Powell (1946-2022), English actress who is best known for her portrayal of headmistress Bridget McCluskey in the BBC television series Grange Hill between 1981 and 1991
  • Gwyneth Glyn (b. 1979), Welsh language poet and musician
  • Ms. Gwyneth Davies B.E.M., British recipient of Medallist of the British Empire Medal 29th December 2018 for voluntary service to Ice Skating 1
  • Gwyneth Dunwoody (b. 1930), née Phillips, British politician, the longest-serving woman Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport (1984-1985), Shadow Secretary of State for Health (1980-1983)
  • Gwyneth Scally, American visual contemporary artist
  • Gwyneth Cravens, American novelist and journalist
  • Gwyneth Jones (b. 1952), British science-fiction author


  1. "Birthday and New Year Honours Lists (1940 to 2019)." Issue 62507, 28 December 2018 | London Gazette, The Gazette, Dec. 2018, www.thegazette.co.uk/honours-lists


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