JARVIS
Jarvis
Origin and Meaning: The surname Jarvis is of Old French origin, derived from the given name "Gervase" or "Girvis," both of which are variations of the Germanic personal name "Gerwasi," meaning 'spear servant'. The name is thought to have been introduced to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Early Origins: The earliest recorded instance of the surname Jarvis dates back to the 12th century in England. The name has historically been most commonly found in the southern regions of England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Sussex.
Historical Significance: The Jarvis surname has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous figures was Edward Jarvis (1851-1941), a British painter known for his landscapes and still-life works. Another notable figure is John Wesley Jarvis (1780-1839), an American painter who gained fame for his portrait paintings in the early 19th century.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Jarvis is relatively common in the United Kingdom and has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is considered a surname of English origin and is passed down patrilineally from one generation to the next.
Variations and Derivatives: Variations of the surname Jarvis include Jarvies, Jervis, Gervase, and Girvis. Over time, different branches of the family may have adopted slightly altered spellings of the surname.
Famous Namesakes:
- Alan Jarvis (1934-2012) - English footballer and manager
- Mick Jagger (born Michael Phillip Jagger) - Famous English musician and lead singer of the Rolling Stones, whose maternal grandfather bore the surname Jarvis.
Modern Day: In contemporary society, individuals with the surname Jarvis can be found in a variety of professions and walks of life. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its historical significance and connection to the past.
This entry provides a brief overview of the British surname Jarvis, highlighting its origins, historical significance, distribution, variations, famous namesakes, and its presence in modern times.
There are approximately 28,552 people named Jarvis in the UK. That makes it the 284th most common surname in Britain. Around 438 in a million people in Britain are named Jarvis.
Surname type: From given name or forename
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
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Gervais
- Jervis
- Jarvais
- Gervis
- Jervois
- Jarves
- Jarvi
- Jarvise
- Gervacio
- Gervaise
- Gervas
- Gervase
- Gervasi
- Gervasio
- Gerves
- Jaravaza
- Jarv
- Jarva
- Jarvas
- Jarve
- Jarvess
- Jarvey
- Jarvice
- Jarvie
- Jarvies
- Jarvil
- Jarvin
- Jarvine
- Jarvins
- Jarviss
- Jarvist
- Jarvoice
- Jarvois
- Jerrvis
- Jervais
- Jervas
- Jerves
- Jervess
- Jervice
- Jervie
- Jervies
- Jervise
- Jerviss
- Jervoise
- Jervous
- Jorves
- Jorvis
- Jurvis
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.