Hives

The surname "Hives" is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "hifa" or "hyfa", meaning a small surrounding enclosure or hive for bees. This suggests that the name likely originally referred to a beekeeper or someone who lived near beehives.

The name Hives can be traced back to medieval England, with records indicating its presence in various regions across the country. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Hives have been found in counties such as Yorkshire, Kent, and Essex.

The spelling of the surname may have evolved over time, with variations such as Hyves, Hife, Hiveson, and Hieve recorded in historical documents. Migration and movement within the UK and beyond have further contributed to the dispersal of the name.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Hives can be found in different parts of the world, but it remains most commonly associated with families of British descent. The name Hives continues to retain its historical link to beekeeping and the countryside, reflecting the enduring connection to its Anglo-Saxon roots.

There are approximately 375 people named Hives in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Hives.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Matt
  • Matthew
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Geraldine
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Joanne
  • Karen
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Rosemary
  • Sandra
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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