Surname Scriven - Meaning and Origin

Scriven: What does the surname Scriven mean?

The surname Scriven is of English origin and has a professional background. It was an occupational name given to people who served as scribes, clerks, or professional writers during the Middle Ages. The term 'scriven' is derived from the Middle English word ‘scrivein’, which comes from the Old French ‘escrivein’. Both of these terms are related to the Latin word 'scriban', meaning 'to write'. Therefore, those with the Scriven surname were likely associated with roles that involved writing or record keeping. This profession was important in medieval times as literacy was not widespread, making the service of writing and transcribing documents a specialized and crucial role in society. Like many occupational surnames, it served to identify the primary occupation of the individual or their ancestors.

Scriven: Where does the name Scriven come from?

The last name Scriven is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and parts of Ireland. In England, it is recorded in most counties, and in Ireland it is mainly found in Counties Sligo, Dublin, and Antrim. Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from an occupation or place-name.

In the UK, some bearers of the name can be found in other locations, including some with links to colonial history. For example, there is a notable Scrivener family in Jamaica, with records that date back to the mid-1700s.

In Canada, the surname is less common and appears mainly in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick. This family line likely arrived there during the Great Migration from the British Isles during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

In the United States, few individuals bear the Scriven surname, but records can be found in some states. In the mid-1800s, some members of the Scriven family made their way to Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. There are now individuals living in those states with the last name.

Despite being a relatively rare surname, some bearers of the name have achieved fame. Notable Scrivens include British minister Edmund Scriven, footballer Wayne Scriven, writer and missionary Benjamin Scriven, and American scientist Allan Scriven.

Variations of the surname Scriven

The surname Scriven is recorded in many spelling variants including Scrivener, Scrivin, Skrivens, Scrivens, Skryvens, and Skriven. It is an English occupational name for a medieval scribe or clerk, which is derived from the Old English ‘scryfene’ and ‘scrifan’, meaning to ‘write’ or ‘scribe’. In some instances the name may be a habitational name, from places called Scriven in Yorkshire and Shropshire, which got their name from the Old English words ‘scraef’, meaning a ravine, and ‘senne’ meaning water or a pond.

During the Middle Ages, scribes and clerks were highly valued people within society, and so the surname Scriven would have often been associated with high social standing. This surname was adopted by those who were employed in the capacity of a scribe or clerk and it was passed down to their descendents. Because of the social status associated with the surname, it was often adopted by those who sought to give their family an aristocratic air even if they weren’t of that descent.

It has been suggested that the surname Scriven has Dutch origins, and is derived from the words ‘scrijver’ and ‘scrifa’ which also refer to the occupation of writing. There are several surnames derived from the same origin including Scribner, Scriver, Skrivan, Skrivs, and Scrivner.

Clerical occupations were commonplace in England throughout the Middle Ages and so the Scriven surname was not exclusive to any particular region. There are recorded instances of the surname in England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, and even America. The growth and dispersion of the early Scriven families can be traced in records over centuries and is an example of the development of the name and its variants throughout history.

Famous people with the name Scriven

• Michael Scriven: American psychologist who developed the concept of 'Evaluation'. He has written numerous books and articles on the topics of evaluation and decision-making.
• Edward Scriven: English painter and illustrator who was known for his “domestic scenes” of rural life in England.
• Humphrey Scriven: English writer and poet, who was renowned during the Victorian era for his humorous observations and poems.
• Sir Henry Scriven: British diplomat who played a key role in the peace negotiations after the end of World War II.
• Mark Scriven: American evangelist, author, and speaker known for his charismatic style and his ability to bridge the worlds of Christianity and popular culture.
• Howard Scriven: American composer, best known for his musical plays and symphonies.
• Edward Scriven: English painter of portraits and animals.
• Charles Scriven: Author of "The American Art of Racing Motor-Cars: A Comprehensive Guide to Race Driving and Mechanics", he was a leader in the world of automotive racing.
• Sarah Scriven: English entrepreneur who held the prestigious title of Milliner to the Royal Family during the 19th century.
• Percy Scriven: British musical composer and conductor who composed several well-known operettas in the early 20th century.

Other surnames

ScrivenerScriverScrivner