Nevill

Nevill, also spelled as Neville, is an ancient and prestigious British surname with noble origins. The name is derived from the Old French personal name 'NĂ©el', a diminutive of the Germanic name 'Anselm', meaning "noble helmet" or "protected by the gods". This name was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The Nevill family has a long and illustrious history, with the earliest records tracing back to the 12th century. The family played significant roles in English history, particularly during the medieval period. The most notable branch of the Nevill family was the House of Neville, one of the most powerful noble families in England during the Middle Ages.

The Nevills were closely associated with the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought in England during the 15th century for control of the throne. Richard Neville, also known as Warwick the Kingmaker, was a key figure in this conflict and played a pivotal role in shaping the course of English history.

Over the centuries, the Nevill surname has been borne by numerous prominent figures in British society, including military leaders, politicians, and scholars. The name continues to be found among the British aristocracy and gentry, maintaining its status as a symbol of heritage and lineage.

Today, the surname Nevill is relatively rare but remains a cherished part of British history and genealogy. It is a name that evokes images of chivalry, power, and resilience, reflecting the enduring legacy of the noble families that have borne it over the centuries.

There are approximately 1,183 people named Nevill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,492nd most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Nevill.

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
  • Dean
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Thomas

Female

  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Louisa
  • Louise
  • Lucy
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Wendy

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.