Surname Havner - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Havner: What does the surname Havner mean?
The last name Havner is of Scandinavian origin and is derived from the Old Norse term "hafn", which means "port" or "harbour". Consequently, the name Havner would mean "harbour master" or "one who works or lives near the port". This suggests that the early bearers of this last name likely held positions associated with a harbor or port or lived in close proximity to these areas. It can be classified under occupational surnames, which were based on the primary occupation of the name bearer. This kind of surname was common in Scandinavian cultures and others throughout Europe, reflecting the job, trade, or livelihood of the family at the time the surname was given. As all surnames have evolved over time and spread through migration, families bearing the last name Havner can be found in many parts of the world today, but it remains most common in Northern Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisHavner: Where does the name Havner come from?
The surname Havner is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old German personal name "Hafner", a nickname for a potter or tile maker. Over time, the name evolved with various spellings including Havner, Haffner, Hafner, and Haughner.
The surname proliferation moved from Germany to Britain following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Many Germans migrated to England during the Middle Ages, where Germanic names became Anglicized.
Today, the surname Havner is found most prevalently in the United States, with a significant concentration in North Carolina. It is also fairly common in Canada, Germany, and England. However, it is quite a rare surname overall, even in these countries where it is most common.
Variations of the surname Havner
The surname Havner is predominantly found in America but traces its origin from Europe. The variants and spellings of this surname may vary depending on the country of origin and local dialects.
Variant spellings of Havner include Hafner, Haffner, and Haefner predominantly used in German-speaking regions. Havener, Havnor, Havenner are other variations that are found in English-speaking countries. Hofner could also be a variant, specifically from Austria.
These variations arise due to the local dialects, migration, translation between languages and also phonetic spelling by officials documenting names. The spelling and pronunciation of the name may have evolved and diversified over time leading to different variations.
Surnames also evolved from occupational names. “Havner” seems to evolve from “Hafner”, an occupational name given to a potter, originating from the Middle High German word "hafner" meaning a person who works with a pot or stove.
Although these are plausible variations and origins for the surname Havner, a more specific origin could be pinned down through personal genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Havner
- Wayne Havner: actor, producer, and manager for many celebrities, including Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston.
- Charles Havner: California landscape painter who was friends with notable Expressionist painter Arshile Gorky.
- Katie Havner: fashion illustrator and fashion designer.
- Bruce Havner: American writer, journalist, and entrepreneur.
- Vivian Havner: Professor at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Craig Havner: professional basketball player, currently playing for the Orlando Magic.
- Dean Havner: former AAA baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Jeannie Havner: actress who has starred in television shows such as The A-Team and 24.
- Dakota Havner: popular American YouTuber known for posting prank and challenge videos.
- Sam Havner: professional snowboarder and motocross racer.