SCRIVENER
Scrivener
Scrivener is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "scriveyn" or "scriven," meaning a professional scribe or writer. The surname was typically used to describe someone who copied documents by hand before the advent of modern printing methods.
The Scrivener surname is first recorded in England in the early 13th century, and its bearers were often clerks or literate individuals working in legal or administrative settings. In medieval times, the role of a scrivener was crucial, as they would transcribe important documents, draft legal contracts, and provide writing services to those who were unable to write themselves.
Over the centuries, the surname Scrivener has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as London, Kent, Essex, and Norfolk. Today, individuals with the Scrivener surname can be found across the country and beyond, with some branches of the family having emigrated to other English-speaking countries.
The Scrivener surname has evolved over time and may be found with various spelling variations, including Scriven, Scrivenor, Skryvner, and others. Many modern-day bearers of the surname continue to honour their heritage and connection to the traditional occupation of a scrivener.
In contemporary society, individuals with the Scrivener surname are involved in a wide range of professions and pursuits, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the modern world. The name serves as a reminder of the historical importance of literacy and record-keeping, as well as the enduring legacy of those who dedicated themselves to the art of writing.
There are approximately 2,353 people named Scrivener in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,684th most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Scrivener.
Surname type: Occupational name
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
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Judith
- Karen
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.