Surname Knevett - Meaning and Origin
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Knevett: What does the surname Knevett mean?
The surname Knevett is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the old English personal name Cenbeald or Cyneweard. It's a compound of two elements - "cene" meaning bold or keen and "weard" meaning guard or ward. Over the years, these elements have been phonetically simplified to be pronounced as 'Knevett.'
The tradition of surnames in England began following the Norman Conquest in 1066, initially for identification purposes with taxes. Adapted from first names, occupations, dwelling places, or personal descriptors, the surnames took many forms. The last name Knevett, like many others, is patrimonial, meaning it is derived from the name of a male ancestor.
It is relatively uncommon and can be found in different variations like Knyvett or Knevitt. Notable bearers of the name include Sir Thomas Knyvett, who was involved in the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Despite its relative obscurity in the present day, Knevett is a name steeped in history that carries notions of bravery and guardianship ingrained in its etymology.
Order DNA origin analysisKnevett: Where does the name Knevett come from?
The last name Knevett is primarily found in the United Kingdom, especially in England. It is most commonly found in the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset.
The Knevett family has a long history of nobility in England, beginning with Baldwin Knevett who was given the title of Baronet by King Henry VIII in 1543. The Knevetts maintained their place among the gentry and aristocracy throughout the country until the late 18th century, when the final Knevett baronet died.
Today, the Knevett surname is still relatively common in England, particularly in the counties where the family was historically prominent. According to the latest data, it ranks as the 2,395 most common surname in the country.
Most Knevetts still living in England can trace their lineage back to the original Knevett baronet in some form. It is likely that Knevetts living throughout the world are descendant from the original Knevett family, though immigration and assimilation has caused the spread and dilution of the name.
Outside of England, the Knevett surname is much rarer. It is still present throughout the Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. It is also found in parts of the United States, with the highest population in California. However, outside of the UK, the name is relatively uncommon.
Variations of the surname Knevett
The surname Knevett is an English name deriving from the Old French name Acevinet; itself derived from a personal name which contains the Germanic elements ac (edge) and winan (friend). The surname Knevett is less commonly seen in its original French form and is more commonly seen using the English spelling. Variants of the surname Knevett include Knevet, Knevett, Knevetts, Knevette, Knavett, Knavet, Knavetts, Knavelette, Kneafett, Kneavitt, Kneveit, Neafitt, Neafett, Neavett, Nevitt, Nevitts, Nevit, Knivett, and Knifitt.
Spelling variations of Knevett include Kneavitt, Knavett, Knavete, Kneveit, Knivett, Knavett, Knavettts, Knevet, Knevetts, Knevett, Knevette, Kneaffe, Neafett, Neafitt, Neavett, Neavitt, and Nevitt. The surname Knevett can also be found in its French form, Acevinet.
Surnames of the same origin as Knevett include Kneebone, Neefe, Naff, Neef, Nieve, Neate, Nief, Neavel, Neaven, Neavill, and Nevill. There can also be a correlation between different versions of the same surname, such as between Knevett and Nevitt, as well as between variants of the same name like Knevett and Nevitts.
This surname is not only found in England but in other parts of the English-speaking world as well. For example, variants of the name Knevett can be seen as Kneedle in the Netherlands, Neve in Ireland and Germany, and Nechayev in Russia.
Famous people with the name Knevett
- Antonia Knevett: British actress, was known for her roles in Shakespeare productions worldwide.
- Revd. Richard Knevett: 19th century English county artist and etcher-engraver.
- David Knevett: Canadian prima ballerina who enjoyed success with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in the 1970s.
- Lodowicke Knevett: British Army officer and politician who represented Cornwall in the English Parliament from 1641-1644.
- Col. Richard Henry Knevett: Indian Army officer who served in World War I and was awarded the Military Cross.
- Henry Knevett: British Conservative politician who served in the House of Commons from 1892-1895.
- Lady Mary Knevett: English noblewoman and Royalist who supported Charles I during the English Civil War.
- Edward Knevett: 18th century English initmate to George III, who was killed in a street fight in London.
- Drew Knevett: Canadian ice hockey defenceman who played approximately 600 NHL games throughout his career.
- William Knevett: 13th century English baron who is sometimes referred to as the 'Prince of Knights.'