Surname Mervyn - Meaning and Origin
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Mervyn: What does the surname Mervyn mean?
The surname Mervyn is derived from the ancient Norman personal name of Murvin, which in turn is derived from the Old German personal name Mervin. The Old German form is derived from the words mari, meaning “fame,” and wini, meaning “friend.” Therefore, the overall meaning of the surname can be translated to “famous friend.”
The original form of Mervyn first appeared in England in the 12th century, as an insular form or variant of the personal name Marvin. This could be attributed to the strong influence of the Normans in England at the time. Mervyn quickly became popular throughout Europe, and the name was adopted in several other languages, with various spellings such as Merlin, Marvino, Marvine, and Murvin.
The surname can also been found in Scotland but is more commonly known as Mervyn in Ireland, which is derived from the Irish Gaelicchartog. This can be translated to mean either “contemptuous man” or “seabird.” It’s possible that some of the more recent Irish immigrants to America brought the surname with them, as well as its Gaelic origin.
Regardless of its origin, the name Mervyn is a reminder of the strength and loyalty of friendship, as well as the hardiness of the human spirit that is required to survive as a people. It is a traditional name, steeped in history and culture, and indicates strength, courage, and loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMervyn: Where does the name Mervyn come from?
The last name Mervyn is most common today in many anglophone countries including Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The name is particularly common in England, where it is listed as the 2,278th most common name. In the UK the name is most commonly found in Wessex, a region of southwestern England that includes the modern counties of Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. In Australia the name is ranked #3,389th, and in Canada the name is ranked #7,371st. In the United States, the name is listed as #17,566th making it quite uncommon.
The origin of the name Mervyn is believed to be Celtic in origin, from the name maruin meaning 'ocean'.
It would also seem that there are quite a few famous Mervyns from history, such as Spanish architect Mervyn Estrada. Mervyn King, well known English economist and former governor of the Bank of England, is one of the most celebrated bearers of the name. The name is also associated with several places in Britain, including Mervyn Castle in Wales and Mervyn Street in London.
In sum, the last name Mervyn is still relatively common today, though more so in some countries over others. It is believed to be of Celtic origin, and there are a variety of noted people who share it, from economists and architects to places in Britain.
Variations of the surname Mervyn
The surname Mervyn is derived from the Old French name Maufré. Its variants and spellings around the world include Mervan, Mervin, Mervyn, Mervan, Merven and Marvyn (in England), Mervon, Mervean, Mervein, Merveyn, Merven and Marvon (in Scotland), Mervene, Mervena, Merveno, and Marvene (in Wales), and Marvon, Marvyn (in Ireland).
Other variants and surnames of the same origin include Marvan, Marve, Marvyn, Marvynne, Merve, Mervend, Mervee, Merveen, Merveine, Mervend, Mervendal, Mervender, Mervenson, Mervin shuff, Merviston, Merwin, Merwyn, Marwin, Marwyn, Marvinson, Mervenne and Mervane.
Mervyn is a patronymic surname, which was originally given to the son of a person named Mervyn, or someone who lived at one of the ancient places called Mervyn. The name is mostly found in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
The surname Mervyn is also associated with other surnames that were created from nicknames or pet forms such as Marv (English), Mervel (English and Welsh), Mervull (Irish), Mervill (Irish) and Mervil (English, Welsh and Irish). The prefixes Mer and Mar- were common in English, Welsh and Irish patronymic surnames derived from Old French and Latin origins.
The Mervyn surname is associated with variations such as Mervin, Mervene, Mervane, Mervend, Mervenson, Mervill, Mervweather, Marvenes and Mervatte. The suffix -ynne was also a common element in English and Welsh surnames, primarily used to denote daughter or female descendant, though it can also be used to indicate the son, brother or other relative of a person. Similarly, the prefix Mac- and Mc- found in Scottish names often indicate "son of" or "child of," but can also refer to a more distant relationship.
Famous people with the name Mervyn
- Dr. Mervyn J. Eades: is an Australian medical doctor, scholar and philanthropist who served as the chairman of The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) from 1979 to 2003.
- Mervyn de Silva: was a Sri Lankan journalist, author and essayist best known for his Ceylonese column in The Sunday Times of Ceylon.
- Mervyn Seal: is an English actor who has featured in numerous film, television and video game roles.
- Mervyn Warren: is a two-time Grammy Award-winning composer, arranger, producer, and choir director for the contemporary Christian music group, Take 6.
- Mervyn King: is a British economist and former Governor of the Bank of England.
- Mervyn Peake: was an English writer, artist, poet, and illustrator best known for what are usually referred to as the Gormenghast books.
- Mervyn Stutter: is an English stand-up comedian, actor and writer.
- Mervyn LeRoy: was an American film director, film producer, and occasional actor.
- Mervyn Davies: was a Welsh international rugby union player, who captained Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
- Mervyn Murless: was an English flat racing jockey, who rode four of the five winners of the British Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.