Surname Davenport - Meaning and Origin
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Davenport: What does the surname Davenport mean?
The last name Davenport is of Old English origin and is considered locational, meaning that it was often taken by the Lord or inhabitants of a manor, village, or any other area of land. The name specifically originates from a place called Davenport, in Cheshire, England.
The name itself is divided into two components: "Daven" and "port." "Daven" is believed to be derived from the river Dane in Cheshire and "port" comes from the Old English term "port" which means town, village, or homestead. Thus, Davenport can be roughly translated to mean "the town on the river Dane."
Therefore, the surname Davenport likely signified a family's geographic location and ancestral home. Over time, as descendants moved away, the name would have become a way to connect them to their family roots, maintaining a link to their ancestors and their place of origin. It's also common for such names to be given to individuals who moved away from Davenport, as a means of identifying them. Locational surnames like Davenport became more necessary as the population increased and mobility became more prevalent, enabling easier differentiation between individuals.
Order DNA origin analysisDavenport: Where does the name Davenport come from?
The surname Davenport is of Old English origin, derived from a place-name in Cheshire, England. It is derived from the elements "Dene", a valley, and "port", a town or settlement. Thus, Davenport translates to "the town in the valley". The Davenport family held a family seat in Cheshire before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
Today, the surname Davenport is quite common throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. According to census data, it is most common in the United States, where it ranks as the 846th most common surname. In England and Wales, it ranks as the 769th most common surname. In each of these countries, it's likely to be most common in areas with a significant population of English descent. Despite its geographical origins, however, the surname is not among the most common surnames in Cheshire today. Like many surnames of British origin, Davenport has spread widely as a result of migration and the historical influence of the British Empire.
Variations of the surname Davenport
The surname Davenport originates from a place-name in Cheshire, England and first began to be used during the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, various spellings and variations of Davenport have come into use, mainly due to spelling inconsistencies in early documents, and geographical separation of families carrying the same surname.
Common variations and spellings of Davenport include Davonport, Devonport, Davinport, Davenporte, Davanport, Davenpord, and Davenporte. Some surnames that may also be of the same origin include Devenport, Deavenport, Daynporte, Daneport, Dainport, Daventry, and potentially Danvers.
It is essential to note that while these surnames share similar spelling and may originate from the same geographical location, each lineage is individual and distinct. In other words, people bearing these surnames are not necessarily related. Lastly, due to different languages and pronunciation patterns, other spellings and variations may exist in non-English speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Davenport
- Jack Davenport: The English actor who gained fame in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series.
- Lindsay Davenport: A former professional tennis player from the United States who won three Grand Slam singles titles.
- Alice Davenport: An early 19th-century American actress, known for her involvement in silent films.
- Nigel Davenport: A famous British actor who appeared in over 40 films.
- Marcia Davenport: A well-known American author and music critic.
- Richard Davenport: A celebrated British poet.
- Kim Davenport: An American professional pool player.
- Harry Davenport: An iconic American film and stage actor.
- Julia Davenport: An English actress best known for her work on television.
- Homer Davenport: An American political cartoonist.
- Kiana Davenport: An award-winning Hawaiian author.
- Phyllis Davenport: A popular American television actress.
- Major Francis Davenport: A Revolutionary War officer and noted politician.
- Tracey Davenport: A renowned Hollywood voice coach.
- Bob Davenport: A traditional English folk singer.
- Fats Davenport: A renowned Jazz Musician.