Surname Peveril - Meaning and Origin
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Peveril: What does the surname Peveril mean?
The surname Peveril is of Norman origin, deriving from the Old French 'Peverel', which in turn is rooted in the Latin word 'piper' meaning 'pepper'. It is believed to have originally been a nickname for someone with a fiery temperament, just as pepper is a hot spice. The name is especially associated with William Peveril, a follower of William the Conqueror, who was granted lands in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. His new holdings included Peveril Castle in Derbyshire, which was named after him. This name is also made popular by Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Peveril of the Peak” which was published in 1823. Hence, the surname Peveril not only signifies a personality trait but also has historical and literary significance.
Order DNA origin analysisPeveril: Where does the name Peveril come from?
The last name Peveril is believed to have originated in France. It is uncommon today, but can be found in several countries around the world. In England, the name can be found mainly in North West England, which includes counties such as Lancashire, Cumbria and Merseyside. In New Zealand, the last name can be found mainly in the South Island, particularly the Canterbury and Otago regions. The United States and Canada also have a few families with the last name Peveril, mainly on the East Coast.
Some Peveril descendants have also been traced to the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, which is believed to be the original home of the family. The last name Peveril is also believed to have originated from the Norman name de Verel, so descendants can be found in France and other parts of Europe as well.
Despite its rarity, descendants of the Peveril name can still be found scattered around the world today.
Variations of the surname Peveril
Peveril is a surname of British origins. It is thought to have emerged from the Normandy feudal barony known as Pevrel or Peveril, located near Caen. The modern spelled surname Peveril can be found in records dating to the 12th century. Variants and other spellings of Peveril include:
Pevral, Pevarill, Peverill, Pebral, Pevril, Pevrell, Pevriel, Pevreal, Pevereal, and Pevers.
The surname Peveril can also be found used as personal names in England. It is sometimes spelled Pebriel, and variants of Pevizell may also be found.
Peveral and Peverall are variants sometimes found in the records of the United States and Canada. Other variations in North America include Peverel, Pevrel, Pevrell, Pevreal, Pevriel, etc.
In different parts of Britain, Peverils can be found with different variants such as:
Pevrell in Buckinghamshire,
Pegrell in Sussex,
Peverel in Wiltshire,
Pevril in Norfolk,
Peverell in Berkshire,
Peaverel in Hertfordshire, and
Peveral in Worcester.
These variants of Peveril are all descended from the same Norman origin, confirming the well-known path of surname origin in Britain.
Famous people with the name Peveril
- Alexander Peveril of the Peak (17th-century English lawyer, politician and Royalist).
- John Peveril (11th-century English nobleman, known for his involvement in revolt against King William II).
- Sir Roger Peveril (12th-century English baron).
- Sir William Peveril (13th-century English ancestor of the Dukes of Rutland).
- Leigh Peveril (supposedly a son of Sir John, a minor character of English medieval literature).
- William Peveril the Younger (16th-century English courtier, favourite of Queen Elizabeth I).
- Thomas Peveril of the Peak (17th-century savant and scholar).
- Robert Peveril (17th-century British merchant who founded the original school from which the now prestigious Old Peveril School developed).
- Edward Peveril (18th-century British cleric and scientist).
- Jon Peveril (20th-century snowboarder and entrepreneur).