Mynatt is an English surname, historically a variant of Minett. The name Minett itself derives from the medieval given name Minna, which in Old German means "love," specifically the concept of courtly love. Additionally, Minna is used as a short form of Wilhelmina, a name of Dutch and German origin meaning "will-helmet" (from the elements wil 'will' and helm 'helmet, protection'). Wilhelmina was the name of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (1880–1962).
The surname Mynatt is primarily found in the United States, though its linguistic roots trace back to the German and Dutch naming traditions via Wilhelm and Wilhelmina. Related surnames in other cultures include Dutch forms such as Willems, Willemse, and Willemsen, as well as French forms like Guillaume and Guillot.
Notable bearers include Elizabeth Mynatt (born 1966), an American computer scientist known for her work in human-computer interaction, and Jerry Mynatt (born c. 1968), a former American football player and coach.
Summary
- Meaning: Variant of Minett, ultimately from Old German 'love' or a diminutive of Wilhelmina 'will-helmet'
- Origin: English
- Type: Surname
- Usage Regions: English-speaking world, especially United States
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wikipedia — Mynatt