Maver

Origin and Meaning

Maver is a British surname of Old French origin, derived from the Old French word "maveour," meaning "a vagabond, an idle person." The surname Maver may have been used to describe a wanderer or a person who did not settle in one place.

History

The surname Maver first appeared in historical records in England during the Middle Ages. It is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The early records show that the Maver family was primarily concentrated in the southern counties of England.

Over the centuries, the Maver surname spread across England and Scotland, carried by families with various occupations and social statuses. The Maver name has also been documented in Wales and Ireland, reflecting the migration and intermingling of populations over time.

Notable Individuals

  • John Maver (1798-1886): English artist known for his landscape paintings.
  • Dorothy Maver (1910-2005): British author and feminist activist.
  • Robert Maver (b. 1965): Welsh rugby player who represented his nation at the international level.

Modern Distribution

Today, the Maver surname is relatively rare in the United Kingdom. It is found in small numbers across England, particularly in regions with historical connections to the surname. The name may also be present in other English-speaking countries around the world due to migration and globalisation.

Coat of Arms

The Maver family coat of arms features symbols such as a shield, helmet, and crest. The design and colours of the coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the Maver family to which it belongs.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the Maver surname include Mavor, Mauver, and Mayver. These variations may have emerged through regional dialects, phonetic changes, or clerical errors in historical records.

Conclusion

The British surname Maver has a rich history dating back to medieval times. While not as common as some other surnames, the Maver name continues to be carried by individuals around the world, contributing to the tapestry of British heritage and identity.

There are approximately 282 people named Maver in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Maver.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Colin
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • Jamie
  • John
  • Kenneth
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Ralph
  • Robert
  • Scott
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Deirdre
  • Donna
  • Edna
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jaki
  • Joanne
  • Lynne
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Samantha
  • Shirley

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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