Surname Everard - Meaning and Origin

Everard: What does the surname Everard mean?

Everard is a surname of Old English origin. It is derived from the ancient given name Eoforheard, which is composed of two elements: "eofor" meaning wild boar and "heard" meaning brave, hardy, or strong. Thus, the surname Everard carries the connotation of a brave or strong wild boar. The surname has a rich historical background and appeared in various forms over the centuries, including Eoforheard, Everard, Eberhard, Evrard, and Eberhardt. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries, and its bearers have made numerous contributions to the fields of arts, sports, politics, and science. The name, however, does not necessarily imply any societal status, rank, or occupation.

Everard: Where does the name Everard come from?

The surname Everard is of Anglo-Saxon origin, dating back before the Norman conquest in 1066. It is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century personal names "Eoforheard", "Eberhard", or "Everhard" which are composed of the elements "eofor" meaning wild boar and "heard", hardy, brave or strong. In some cases, the surname may be Norman-French, brought to England after the Conquest, from "Evreard" or "Evrard", comprising the Germanic elements "ebur", meaning wild boar and "hard", hardy, brave, or strong. The surname first appeared in the 13th century under the varied spellings Eburhard, Eborard, and Eborardus. Today, the surname Everard is found in both England and the United States. Particularly, it's more common in the regions of East Anglia and Leicestershire in England.

Variations of the surname Everard

The surname Everard has its roots in multiple cultures including French, English, Germanic, and Danish. The variations of this surname can be attributed to geographical locations, language differences, and sometimes, personal preferences. Some of the variants and spellings of Everard include Everhard, Everhardt, Eberhard, Eberhardt, Ebhard, Eberhart and Averard.

The germanic variant, "Eberhard" is derived from the elements "Eber," meaning boar and "hard," meaning strong or brave. Similarly, the old English variant "Eoforheard" combines "eofor" (boar) and "heard" (hard, brave).

The spelling can slightly change based on regions. Thus, in some German-speaking areas, you may find it as "Eberhart" and in French areas as "Averard". Despite these small changes, the core meaning remains.

The surname Everard has also evolved into several patronymic surnames, where the given name becomes the surname and denotes "son of." For example, in Nordic countries, the variant "Eberhardsson" or "Eberhardson" is not uncommon.

It's also important to note that spellings may have changed over time with anglicization or due to immigration records. Each variant of Everard carries with it its own unique lineage and history.

Famous people with the name Everard

• Heather Everard: A former English cricketer who played for the national women's team.
• Stephen Everard: A British Labour politician who was a member of London County Council and the House of Commons.
• Charles Everard (Sea Captain): An English sea captain who traveled to Antarctica on numerous expeditions.
• John Everard (Photographer): A notable British photographer known for his work in beauty photography during the mid-20th century.
• John Everard (Diplomat): A British diplomat who served as the UK's ambassador to Belarus, Uruguay, and North Korea.
• William Everard (Brewer): He co-founded the Everards Brewery in the UK.
• James Everard (Baron): A British baron and military officer who serves as the Constable and Governor of the Tower of London.
• Charles Everard (Politician): An English politician who sat in the House of Commons in the 18th century.
• Mark Everard: A British ecologist, author, and environmental scientist.
• André Everard: A Belgian footballer who played as a midfielder in the 1940s and 50s.

Other surnames

EveralEverallEverartz