Surname Givens - Meaning and Origin

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X. Givens

Givens: What does the surname Givens mean?

The last name Givens is of English origin and is an unusual variant of the surname Given. It is believed to originate from the Middle English word "given" or "yiven", which means "to give". In Middle English, the name used to denote a generous person. The name might also symbolize the moral quality of generosity, referring to someone always prepared to give help or support. Another assumption is that it could be a metonymic occupational name for a person responsible for the distribution or dispensing of stores or provisions in a monastery or a large household. The surname Givens is more commonly seen among Scottish and Irish descendants. Like many surnames, over centuries it has developed various spellings such as Given, Givan, and Givens.

Givens: Where does the name Givens come from?

The surname Givens is of paternal Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "O'Gibhne," derived from the word "gibhne," meaning "smith". Therefore, it is traditionally an occupational surname for a blacksmith. Over time, as with many Gaelic names, the spelling was anglicized, resulting in variations like Givens, Gibbons, or Gibbens.

Today, the surname Givens is mainly found in the United States, with a significant presence in Ireland where the name originated. Over the centuries, due to migrations and the Irish diaspora, the surname has spread across various parts of the world, including Canada and parts of Europe. However, a vast majority of individuals with the Givens surname reside in the United States. It is most common in states such as California, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, and South Carolina. The surname is also relatively common in Northern Ireland, reflecting its roots in Gaelic culture. Thus, understanding the surname Givens gives us a glimpse into the cultural history of the Irish diaspora and patterns of migration.

Variations of the surname Givens

Different variants or similar surnames related to the surname "Givens" include Gibbens, Gibbens, Gibbons, Gibens, and Givans. These variations show how names could have been modified over time based on phonetic spelling and regional differences in pronunciation. These changes could be due to the result of clerical errors when translating oral information into written records, or the influence of different languages due to migration or changing borders.

Additionally, the surname Givens may have been anglicized from other foreign language surnames that have a similar pronunciation or meaning. For example, it could potentially have transformed over time from the Irish surname O'Gibin, or the Scottish surname Gowan.

In some cases, surnames like Givens might also be adopted as a result of an individual's occupation or place of residence, such as a nickname given to a charitable or generous person. Alternatively, Givens could be a patronymic surname, ie. derived from a father's name, in this case from a person named Given.

Despite the variation in spelling and origin, these surnames all potentially share a common root with the surname "Givens".

Famous people with the name Givens

• Robin Givens: An American actress and model who gained fame through her role in the ABC sitcom "Head of the Class".
• Mike Givens: A former professional American football player, well-known for his career in the National Football League.
• Kirby Givens: A renowned American attorney who specializes in personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice litigation.
• Marla Gibbs: An American actress, singer, comedian, writer, and television producer known for her roles in the sitcoms "The Jeffersons" and "227".
• Charles Givens: A popular American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and author who has written multiple best-selling books.
• Sonny Givens: An American Country and Southern Rock artist, highly recognized in the music industry.
• Rashad Givens: An American professional boxer in the lightweight division.
• Rhys Givens: An Australian professional soccer player.
• Kahlil Givens: An American rapper and songwriter.
• Michael Givens: A well-known American film director, writer, and producer. Please note that these individuals vary in their levels of fame and notoriety. Some might be more locally or regionally recognized than others.

Other surnames

Given