This one-name study began through my attempts to determine the identity of my 2x great-grandfather.

My mother was born a VINTIS, and throughout my childhood she would often tell me that everyone of that name was related to us, because it had been invented by her great-grandfather. The family story was that he had run away to sea giving a false name and age, and the truth had only come to light when he came to claim his pension. It was said that his name was originally HOLIDAY, and that he came from Lincolnshire. I was always fascinated by the mystery and it has been my lifelong ambition to solve it!

The name VINTIS in the United Kingdom originated in Northumberland, first appearing as VINTES in 1874-76 before stabilising as the current spelling. 

The name VINTIS also appears in the United States. Initial research suggests that this arose completely independently and was an anglicised name adopted by a family of immigrants from Eastern Europe.

The name VINTERS is associated with Lincolnshire, and VENTERS/VENTUS with Peterborough. I have done relatively little research on these variants to date, but given their geographical proximity, it is possible that they derive from a common origin.

There are no known historical occurrences of the name VINTIS. I have not researched the other variants sufficiently at this stage.

In the 1881 Census there were 5 people with the surname VINTIS in the United Kingdom - my 2x great-grandfather George VINTIS, his wife Ann and their 3 sons, John, George and Andrew.

The VINTIS family settled in Cramlington, near Newcastle upon Tyne, and the majority of their descendants still live in and around the area. A handful of the current generation have moved to other parts of the United Kingdom. One branch of the family lives in Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

Current research includes the use of autosomal DNA.