Surname Meves - Meaning and Origin

Meves: What does the surname Meves mean?

The last name Meves is of German origin. It is thought to have derived from the German word "mävers," which means "kinsman, neighbor, or companion." The name first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages and is now quite widespread across Europe.

In German culture, the name is often associated with a close relationship, such as being of the same family or having close relationships within a community. Other meanings include "protector" or "trusted friend." This is because people who had the Meves surname were often relied on as confident confidants.

The surname Meves is also a common French and English variant of the name Mevius. In France, the name is thought to have referred to communities of Meves that had grown close and supportive of one another.

Meves is a unique name, and those who carry it can be proud of their heritage. Throughout Europe, it has evolved to represent close relationships within family, friends, and community. Those who have the Meves name in their family tree can feel a strong sense of rootedness and connection, a tie to a long and meaningful history.

Meves: Where does the name Meves come from?

The surname Meves is common in Germany and other German speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland today. In Germany, it is more commonly found in the western part of the country, where it is most popular in North Rhine-Westphalia. Meves is also a popular surname in other areas of Central Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, parts of Poland, and Luxembourg. In the United States, the surname is not as common but there are some bearers of the name in the Midwest, the Northeast, and the South. It is believed that the Meves surname originated in Germany or a German speaking region in Central Europe prior to the Middle Ages. Documentary evidence suggests that it may have been associated with many different spelling variations over the centuries, including Mevis, Meve, Mevesen, Mevsen, and Mevissen.

Variations of the surname Meves

Meves is a German surname. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Meves are Mevesse, Mevese, Mews, Meus, Meuss, Mewsse, Mewsse, Mewses, Mueves, Muews, Miews, and Mewes.

Meves is derived from the personal name Adam; a common given name in the 14th and 15th centuries in Germany. It is believed that the name Adam was derived from the Hebrew name Havvah. The letter ‘m’ is a German prefix which stems from the ancient Germanic language and is used to identify a patronymic, i.e. a surname derived from a father’s given name. Following the prefix is the biblical given name Avich or Avigg, which was shortened to ‘Es’, hence the surnames Meves and Mevesse.

The surname Mews is derived from the Dutch name ‘Mue’ which is derived from ‘Meyer’, the German word for mayor or landlord. The name Mews was likely used to refer to a man who was employed as a steward or overseer in a manor or estate. The variant Mewsse is derived from the Dutch word Muwes.

The surname Meus is a variant of Meves. It is believed to stem from the French ‘Mehu’, which is derived from the Latin ‘Mansuetus’ meaning 'mild’ or 'peaceable.'

The surname Meuss is derived from the Dutch word ‘Moos’, meaning ‘moor’ or ‘bog’.

The surname Mueves is a variant of the Spanish surname ‘Muro’, which derives from the Latin ‘Murus’, meaning ‘wall’ or ‘fortification’.

The surnames Muews, Miews, and Mewes are all variants of the surname Meves. The prefix ‘Mu’ or ‘Miu’ is a Low German diminutive, meaning ‘little’ or ‘small’, and the surname Mewes is a patronymic derivation of the given name Meu.

Overall, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Meves demonstrate the diverse origin of the surname. The various spellings and regional variants showcase the prevalence of German surnames across Europe and how the use of different prefixes played a major role in forming different surnames throughout the centuries.

Famous people with the name Meves

• Max Meves: A German racing cyclist who was part of the German national team from 1984-1992 and won the 1989 German National Road Race Championship.
• Mark Meves: An American soccer player and coach who played for the San Jose Earthquakes and Columbus Crew and is currently head coach of the San Diego Loyal.
• John Meves: A Canadian professional hockey player who played professionally in Switzerland and Germany before retiring in 1992.
• Walter Meves: A Brazilian journalist and writer. He is the author of several books, articles and columns related to Brazilian politics.
• Paul Meves: A British painter and etcher, best known for his drawings and etchings of portraits, landscapes and figures.
• Richard Meves: An American trumpeter, composer and arranger. He is a Grammy nominated and award-winning musician who has performed with numerous bands and artists.
• Angel Meves: A Spanish contemporary artist whose work focuses on sculpture and performance art.
• Dwayne Meves: A Canadian film producer, director, and screenwriter. He has more than 30 years of experience in the film industry and has produced and directed numerous films and television series.
• Jon Meves: An American bass player and composer who has worked with many prominent musicians, including Kanye West, Herbie Hancock, and Harry Connick Jr.
• George Meves: A British artist and photographer whose work has been exhibited at prestigious galleries including the Royal Academy in London and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Other surnames

Meven