EVANS
Evans
Evans is a common surname of Welsh origin that means "son of Evan." The name is derived from the given name Evan, which itself is a Welsh form of the name John. The Evans surname is one of the most widespread and popular surnames in Wales and has also been adopted by people of Welsh descent in other English-speaking countries such as England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Origin and Meaning:
The surname Evans originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a man named Evan. The prefix "ap," meaning "son of," was added to the given name Evan, resulting in the surname Evans. Over time, the "ap" prefix was dropped, and Evans became a standalone surname.
Distribution and Popularity:
Evans is a prevalent surname in Wales, reflecting the Welsh heritage of many bearers of the name. The surname is also common in England, particularly in areas with historical ties to Wales. Due to Welsh emigration, Evans is a popular surname in countries with significant Welsh immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable People:
- Arthur Evans (1851-1941): British archaeologist known for his excavation of the Minoan palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete.
- Dame Edith Evans (1888-1976): Renowned English actress of stage and screen, known for her work in classic plays and films.
- Chris Evans: British radio presenter and television personality, best known for his work on BBC Radio 2 and as the host of "The Chris Evans Breakfast Show."
- Evan Evans: 18th-century Welsh poet and cleric, known for his religious poetry and hymns.
Variants:
Variants of the Evans surname include Evans, Evens, Evins, and Evason. These variations may reflect regional or historical differences in the Anglicization of the original Welsh patronym.
Legacy:
The Evans surname carries a rich heritage that is deeply rooted in Welsh history and culture. As a popular and widespread surname, Evans serves as a connection to the Welsh homeland for many individuals of Welsh descent around the world. The prominence of individuals bearing the Evans surname in various fields such as literature, archaeology, and entertainment has further contributed to the legacy of the name in British and global society
There are approximately 234,339 people named Evans in the UK. That makes it the 8th most common surname in Britain. Around 3,599 in a million people in Britain are named Evans.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Wales
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Welsh
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- Gareth
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.