Surname Overs - Meaning and Origin
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Overs: What does the surname Overs mean?
The last name Overs is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word 'ofer', which means 'rough, rugged hill'. It was likely to have been used as a locational name to refer to someone who lived or worked on a rugged hill. It may also have referred to someone who lived or worked near a boundary, as the word 'ofer' could also mean 'over the border'.
The surname might have also been an occupational name, referring to an official or messenger who delivered letters or legal documents across a border or a boundary. This is supported by the Old English personal name 'Ofric', which was a diminutive of 'ofer', and was used as a title for someone in this position.
People with the Overs surname can be found mostly in Britain, particularly in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. There are also many people with the Overs surname in the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, and New York.
The Overs name can be traced back to the early 14th century in Lancaster, England and is recorded as the name of a witness in a legal document in 1352. It also appears in the a variety of church records, such as the list of those who married in St. George's, Hanover Square in London in 1686.
The Overs surname has many variations, including Oover, Overe, Oyver, Aufre, Oulton, Offa, Ouer, Over, MAfers, Ohver, Ofrey, Oovert, Arevur, and Ahfers. People with this surname may also have it spelled differently depending on where and when they were born.
Order DNA origin analysisOvers: Where does the name Overs come from?
The last name Overs is most commonly found in Europe, particularly in Northern Europe, including in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. It is believed to be of Dutch origin, but may also be found in other parts of Europe, such as France, Austria and Poland.
In the Netherlands, the name Overs is particularly common in the province of North Holland. It was relatively widespread in the southern provinces of the Netherlands in the mid-20th century and is still found there today, especially among the Dutch Mennonites.
The name is also found throughout Germany and Austria, particularly in and around the cities of Berlin and Vienna. In other countries, it is more scattered but may be found in rural areas and small towns.
The name has been established in the United States since at least the mid-19th century, although it is not particularly common. It may have been brought over by Dutch immigrants who have settled in the mid-Atlantic states, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Most people with the last name Overs today likely trace their heritage back to Northern Europe. The name is not particularly common, but it can still be found around the world.
Variations of the surname Overs
The surname Overs is a topographic name, derived from the Old English “ofer” meaning "bank, hill" or the Middle English “over” meaning “at the other side.” This surname is found throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Germany, Netherlands, and other European countries with varied spelling of the name. Variants of the surname Overs include Overe, Over, Ower, Owwer, Overis, Overys, Oversh, Overshie, Overshine, Oer, Oars, Oerse, and Owers.
The Overe spelling variant is mainly found in Scotland, specifically in the districts of Western Stirlingshire, Midlothian, and Renfrewshire while the Over and Overis spelling variants are mostly found in Wiltshire. The Ower variant of the surname is mostly found in Fife in Scotland and the Netherlands. Overys, Oversh, and Overshie are variants that were primarily found in the English eastern counties of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Shropshire.
The Oer variant is of Dutch origin and found mainly in the Netherlands and Germany. The Anglicized variant Oars is usually found in Scotland, particularly in Fife and Berwickshire. Oerse is a Dutch variant, while Owers is a Welsh variant, found mainly in Shropshire. Finally, the Overshine variant is found mainly in America, likely the result of recent immigration from European countries.
Famous people with the name Overs
- Justin Overs: American actor who starred in the 2019 movie 'Captain Marvel'
- Malik Overs: American professional basketball player
- Gordon Overs: British historian and author
- David Overs: American football player
- Jessie Overs: British actress best known for her work on the British television series 'Skins'
- Gordon Overs Jr.: British record producer, songwriter and musician
- Sue Overs: American television anchor and reporter
- Robbie Overs: Australian actor best known for his role in the 2011 film 'The Hunter'
- Johnny Overs: American professional wrestler
- Edwards Overs: British publisher and editor