Surname Orvid - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Orvid: What does the surname Orvid mean?
The last name Orvid is of Anglo-Saxon or Scandinavian origin, and is derived from the Old Norse personal name Orvaldr, composed of the words 'or', meaning arrow or spear, and 'valdr', meaning rule or power. This suggests that the first person to bear the surname Orvid was a powerful warrior who was adept in using weapons such as the spear or arrow.
The Orvids have a proud history and their presence is especially noted in the city of Dublin in Ireland, where the family first settled in 1169. The original spelling of the surname was ‘Arwydd’, and it later changed to its current form of Orvid due to changes in the Gaelic language. A church in Dublin is still dedicated to the Orvid family and their lasting legacy.
The Orvid family was known for its strong sense of loyalty and they were also prominent figures in the defense of their city against Viking invaders. They were renowned for their martial prowess, and were fierce defenders of Dublin’s borders. The family’s legacy is marked by a strong sense of military tradition, and their descendants can be found in the British Army and Royal Air Force.
Today, the surname Orvid is still relatively rare, and can be found in parts of Europe, the United States, and Australia. Those who bear the name Orvid can be proud of their ancestry and of the accomplishments of their ancestors. Their legacy is one of strength, courage, and loyalty, and of centuries of fearless defense of their beloved homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisOrvid: Where does the name Orvid come from?
The last name Orvid is most commonly found in countries with Scandinavian connections, such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. These countries all have a centuries-old tradition of surnames, which help to identify families and narrow the search for ancestors. Orvid is much less common in other parts of the world, although some people have moved from these countries to places such as the United States, Canada, and England.
The ancestry of those with Orvid as a last name can be traced to medieval Scandinavia, when surnames were just beginning to become commonplace. This first surname was likely taken from an ancestor's location or occupation, such as Orvid Knudsen, meaning Orvid the Knife Maker. As Scandinavian people gradually spread across Europe and the New World, the Orvid surname followed.
Although the name is most strongly associated with Scandinavian countries, in recent decades it has also become more common in other places around the world. Today, many Orvids live in the United States, Canada, and Australia. While the number of people with this last name is still small, it is steadily rising as the world increases in population.
Variations of the surname Orvid
Orvid is a fairly uncommon surname with several known variants, spellings, and cognates. It is likely of Northern European origins, and there are many variations across different countries and dialects. In Germany it is spelled as Orf, Orfid, Orfwiz, Orfvitz, and Orfwick. In the Netherlands, it is Orvis, Orvys, and Orviss. In England, it is Urf, Orf, Orfes, Orvees, Orvies, Orveez, and Orvett. In Scotland, it is Orgill or Orvie. In Norway, it is Ørf, Ørfid, Ørfvitz, and Ørfwick. In Sweden, it is Årf, Årfid, Årfvitz, and Årfwick.
The cognates of Orvid include Arvid, Cornell, Cordell, Corfid, Gorfid, Gorvil, Harfid, Marfid, Norfid, Osfid, Warfid, and Worfid. In some countries, including Finland and Estonia many have adopted the surnames Orm and Ormes respectively.
Generally, Orvid is considered a derivation of the given name “Arvid”, a variant of the German name “Arnward”, meaning “brave warrior”. It is also often suggested that Orvid is the anglicized form of the Viking and Old Norse surnames Árni and Árvi.
Regardless of its origin, Orvid and its variants are rarely used surnames, though some notable people who have adopted it include American lawyer and civil rights activist Cordell Hull, Swedish Archbishop of Uppsala Anders Arvidzon, and Jamaican-Australian poet and playwright Vievee Francis.
Famous people with the name Orvid
- Seamus Orvid: Irish actor and comedian, known for his work on the BBC sketch comedy series The Fast Show.
- Gregory Orvid: British actor, television presenter, and writer, best known for playing the character Toadie in the popular British soap opera EastEnders.
- Leonora Orvid: Award-winning American film producer and director, known for her work on the popular films The Horse Whisperer and The Grey Zone.
- Alfons Orvid: Swedish singer and songwriter, best known for his hit single "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution".
- Joe Orvid: American country musician, known for his classic hits such as "The Great Divide" and "If I Had a Million Dollars".
- Christopher Orvid: Canadian musician, producer, and composer, best known for his work on the legendary hard rock band Rush.
- Reena Orvid: British TV presenter and reporter, known for her work on the BBC's flagship news show The One Show.
- Jonah Orvid: American football player, currently playing for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League.
- Jean Orvid: Canadian politician, serving in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan representing the riding of Regina Wascana.
- Terence Orvid: Famous British artist and art critic, known for his influential works on figurative painting and contemporary art theory.