Shynn is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a skinner. Looking back even further, we found the name was originally derived from the Old Norse word skinn, meaning hide, and indicates that the original bearer was employed in the trade of removing animal hides.[1]
As to underscore the significance of this trade name, "The Skinners' Company in London received their charter of incorporation so early as the first year of Edward II. " [2] Reader's note: King Edward II reigned from 1307 to 1327. Like many of these early entries, this would note that the registration occurred during the first year of King Edward's reign.
The surname Shynn was first found in Lincolnshire, England, where Sir Robert Skynner, a Norman knight received from Duke William the lands of Bolinbroke, accompanied with the hand in marriage of the daughter of their former owner, Robert de Bolinbroke, of the Saxon race. In the year 1070 the issue of this relationship intermarried with many distinguished houses until the chief branch became extinct in the year 1700.
Later, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Henry le Skyniar in Oxfordshire. [3] Kirby's Quest listed Robert le Skynnar in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) [4] The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 listed Johannes Sckynner; and Willelmus de Parlyngton, skynnar. [3] The latter listing referring to the trade.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shynn research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1721, 1807, 1746, 1788, 1744, 1816, 1411, 1596, 1587, 1596, 1623, 1667, 1596, 1587, 1596, 1629 and 1679 are included under the topic Early Shynn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Shynn were recorded, including Skinner, Skynner, Skiner and others.
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Thomas Skinner (died c.1411), MP for Shrewsbury; Thomas Skinner (died 1596), master of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and a London Alderman elected Sheriff in 1587 and Lord Mayor of...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shynn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.