Scriven

Scriven is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English words "scrifan" meaning to decree or order, and "winn" meaning friend. The name was commonly used in medieval England to denote a scribe or someone who wrote official documents.

Origins

The surname Scriven can be traced back to medieval times, where individuals performing the role of scribes or clerks would have been given this name to signify their occupation. As literacy was a rare skill in those times, those who could write and read were highly valued, hence the importance of the surname.

Distribution

The Scriven surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire. Over time, individuals with the surname have migrated to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Individuals

  • Henry Scriven (1821–1905): A British army officer and explorer known for his work in the exploration of Africa.

  • Lettice Scriven (1882–1949): A suffragette and women's rights activist who was instrumental in the fight for women's suffrage in the early 20th century.

Legacy

The surname Scriven continues to be passed down through generations, linking modern individuals to their medieval ancestors who held the prestigious role of scribes. The surname serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy and documentation in historical societies.

References

  • Reaney, P.H. and R.M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1991.

This entry provides a brief overview of the origins, distribution, notable individuals, and legacy of the British surname Scriven.

There are approximately 2,840 people named Scriven in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,145th most common surname in Britain. Around 44 in a million people in Britain are named Scriven.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lesley
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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