Surname Given - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Given: What does the surname Given mean?
The surname "Given" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "MacGilleGhuibhin" which means the "son of the follower of St. Guibin". Guibin or Finnian is a saint who had many followers in Scotland at that time. Over time, the name evolved into Given. Therefore, it can be associated with a spiritual or religious family background. As a surname, it is found most often among individuals living in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Like other surnames, 'Given' may have variations such as Givens or Givenes in different regions and cultures. However, interpretations or meanings can change based on geographical origin, as surnames often have multiple roots and interpretations in the vast domain of genealogy. It may well be possible that apart from the Scottish origin, the surname 'Given' could have developed independently in various cultures with distinct meanings. It's worth noting that the meaning and origin of a surname can often be complex and multifaceted. A more precise understanding of the surname 'Given' would likely require detailed genealogical research.
Order DNA origin analysisGiven: Where does the name Given come from?
The surname Given is of Scottish origin, derived from the old Gaelic name "MacGobhann," a patronymic term meaning 'son of the smith.' Over time, the pronunciation and spelling changed, with many variations including Given, Givan, Given, Giffen, and others. The name indicates an ancestral occupation as a metal worker or blacksmith.
In initial years, the Givens inhabited Ayrshire while those spelling their surname as Givan were common in Lanarkshire. The first recorded bearers of the surname Given were found in Ayrshire, on the southwestern coast of Scotland, and date back to the 12th century.
Today, the surname Given or its variations can be found predominantly in countries with a history of Scottish or Irish immigration, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Detailed databases show the surname Given is more common in the United States, with a relatively higher concentration in North Carolina, followed by California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. However, the name is infrequent and not prominently common in any region.
Variations of the surname Given
The surname Given is derived from the ancient Celtic name Gobha, meaning a blacksmith. It is of Scottish and Irish origin. There are several spelling variations for this surname, largely due to the way it was phonetically recorded by scribes in historical documents. Common variant spellings include Givens, Givan, Givin, Given and Gibbins.
Derived from the same Celtic root, other associated surnames include MacGivern, MacGuffin, and MacGibbon in Scotland, and McGivern, McGivney, and McGiven in Ireland. They typically start with "Mac" or "Mc," prefixes signifying "son of" in Gaelic. These variants have come about due to regional dialects and linguistic differences over time and across geographical regions.
Another version of the Given surname appears in the form of Gibbon, alongside its own variations such as Gibbons, Gibbs, and Gibson. Again, these are more common in areas where surnames were historically altered to fit within the linguistic norms of the local population.
In summary, the Given surname comprises a range of variant spellings and associated surnames, reflecting the surname's rich historical and geographical variation.
Famous people with the name Given
- John Given: An eminent lawyer and judge in the 19th Century.
- Shay Given: A famous Irish footballer who has played in goal for several top English clubs like Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa. He also represented Ireland in international games.
- Jonathan Given: An American author, and a professional in the financial realm.
- Elizabeth Given: A British author and plant enthusiast, she has written several books on the subject.
- William Given: Renowned for his work in the American oil industry. It appears that the Given surname is not overly common among celebrities or well-known figures, contributing to the relatively short list.