Surname Deverell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Deverell: What does the surname Deverell mean?
The last name Deverell is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from a place-name, which is very common in England. More specifically, it is believed to have originated from two places called "Deverill" in Wiltshire, South West England. The name "Deverill" means "deep stream" or "valley stream" referring to geographical features in these regions. Historically, last names often emerged from geographical locations or occupations. Therefore, the Deverell name likely represented families living by or near these streams in Wiltshire. Over time, family names evolved due to migrations, invasions, and cultural changes, making their origins complex and intriguing. The Deverell surname also extends beyond England, appearing in multiple records in Ireland from the 17th century, and has varied spellings such as Deverill, Deverall, and Deveral.
Order DNA origin analysisDeverell: Where does the name Deverell come from?
The surname Deverell originates from England, specifically from a place called Devizes in Wiltshire. It is believed to have been based on the Old English words "dēofol" which means "devil", and "ora" meaning "slope or ridge". The name is habitational, usually given to people who lived in or near Devizes.
After the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, names of Norman origin were given by the conquering feudal lords as surnames to the indigenous people of England. Hence, the surname Deverell could have signified a person who hailed from such a "devil's ridge".
It is not a very common last name today. However, it can be found in countries predominantly where the English migrated. Therefore, individuals bearing the surname Deverell can be found in greater numbers in England and other English speaking countries like United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It should be noted that like many surnames, the distribution is spread out and does not necessarily indicate a high concentration in these countries.
Variations of the surname Deverell
The surname Deverell has its roots in Anglo-Saxon England and is location derived, implying that the original bearers of the surname Deverell hailed from a place named Deverell. Variations of the name Deverell can include: Deverill, Deverel, Deveral, Deverill, Devrell, and Devrall.
These can occur due to regional dialects and varying pronunciation across different parts of England during earlier periods when literacy rates were lower and spellings were not standardized.
Surnames similar in origin (place-based) and starting with "Dev" might include: Devere, Devereaux, Devine, and Devlin. However, these names likely evolved from different geographical regions compared to Deverell.
Also, some surnames may share a similar root with Deverell if tracing the name back to its meaning. Deverell is thought to mean "bank of the river", so other surnames derived from geographical features like rivers or banks might share the same origin in terms of name meaning.
Famous people with the name Deverell
- Walter Deverell: He was a British artist associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood during the 19th century. He was known for romanticized historical and literary scenes and was considered a key contributor to the Pre-Raphaelite movement in art.
- Elizabeth Deverell: She is a well known British novelist who has written several successful novels such as "Thread of Evidence", "Masks" and "Patterns".
- Kaitlyn Dever: Kaitlyn is a successful and emerging American actress known for her roles in "Booksmart", "Unbelievable" and "Justified". She has been nominated for several awards including a Golden Globe.
- Robert Deverell: He is a British academic and novelist, known for his work "Playing the Game: Western Women in Arabia" and "Al'lah Is Not Obliged".
- William Deverell: He is an influential Canadian novelist and lawyer, best known for his Arthur Beauchamp series. His novels often revolve around legal settings and he has won the Dashiell Hammett Prize for Literary Excellence.
- Michael Deverell: Michael was an Assistant Secretary in the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and is noted for his work in public policy. He was also appointed as commissioner for the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).