Lynds

The surname "LYNDS" is of English origin, and it is believed to have originated in the county of Lincolnshire, England, during the medieval period. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English words "lind" or "linden," which refer to the linden tree, also known as the lime tree.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Linde." This suggests that the name was originally a topographic surname, given to people who lived near or were associated with linden trees.

As the name evolved over time, it took on various spellings, including "Lind," "Lynde," "Linde," and "Lynds." These variations likely arose due to regional dialects, scribal errors, and the lack of standardized spelling conventions in earlier times.

In the 13th century, there are records of a person named William de Lynde, who was a landowner in Lincolnshire. Another notable bearer of the name was Sir Humphrey Lynde (1480-1538), who served as a Member of Parliament and held various positions in the court of King Henry VIII.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Lynds family established themselves in various parts of England, including Buckinghamshire, Dorset, and Norfolk. One prominent member was Sir Samuel Lynde (1590-1651), who served as Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland.

In the 18th century, the name spread to other parts of the British Isles, including Scotland and Ireland. One notable Scottish bearer of the name was Sir David Lyndsay (1490-1555), a Scottish poet and courtier during the reigns of James V and Mary, Queen of Scots.

As the British Empire expanded, the Lynds surname was carried to various colonies and territories. In the United States, one of the earliest recorded instances of the name is John Lynds, who was born in 1630 and settled in Massachusetts.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname "Lynds," including:

1. Benjamin Lynde (1666-1745), an American jurist and Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature in Massachusetts. 2. Sir Robert Towne-Linde (1751-1835), a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. 3. Mary Lynde Fearing (1838-1926), an American author and editor known for her works on New England history and literature. 4. Sir Robert Lyndesay (1885-1976), a British diplomat and ambassador to several countries, including Turkey and Argentina. 5. Charles Lynds (1924-2006), an American author and journalist best known for his mystery novels featuring the character Timothy Cone.