Surname Slaven - Meaning and Origin
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Slaven: What does the surname Slaven mean?
The surname Slaven is derived from a nickname for a Slavic person. The term "Slav" was initially used to refer to people from Eastern Europe who shared similar languages and cultures. Over time, it grew to accommodate numerous tribes and ethnic groups from the region. The surname Slaven may also have a geographical origin, indicating that the original bearer of the name hailed from a Slavic region. Additionally, it might indicate a person who was a slave or servant, as the word "Slav" coincidentally resembles the Old English word "Slæf," which means "slave." Hence, the Slaven surname could signify different meanings based on different contexts and origins. It is prevalent in several countries, including Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisSlaven: Where does the name Slaven come from?
The last name Slaven is of Scottish and Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic term "sliabh" which denotes a mountain. The name would have been used to describe someone who lived near a mountain or hillside. The name is also related to the Irish O'Sluaghghaidh which was anglicised to Slavin or Slaven. This translates to 'descendant of the army, host or throng'. So, it could have been used for a leader of a military force.
Today, the Slaven surname is more commonly found in countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom due to migration from Ireland and Scotland. It is also found in Northern Ireland and Scotland. However, in the countries of its origin, this surname is not as common today compared to other surnames.
Variations of the surname Slaven
The surname Slaven has Celtic origins, tracing back to early Ireland, and is said to be derived from the Gaelic "Sluaghadhán", meaning the little raider. It is usually associated with families from Ulster and Connacht.
Slaven can have spelling variations, largely due to various attempts to phonetically translate the original Gaelic name into English by different scribes over centuries. Some of these variants include Slavin, Slaveen, Slevin, Slevine, Slevan, and Slavane. Further incorrect anglicization also resulted in the surname Slimen.
As per the tradition of Irish patronymic naming, the prefix "O", which means "descendant of," could be added to the name, giving O’Slavane or O’Slavin.
Oftentimes, surnonyms are also used to create variants. Surnonyms indicate a place of origin or residence, such as by the river, at the hill, or from the town of. An example of this is the surname Slavenoe.
It is important to note that many Irish families dropped or altered their surnames upon immigration, especially to English speaking countries, so the lineage and relationship between these names can sometimes be hard to trace.
Famous people with the name Slaven
- Billy Slaven: A former professional footballer from Scotland who has played for several clubs like Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace.
- Slaven Bilić: A Croatian former professional footballer and current football manager. He has been a coach of several notable football teams such as West Bromwich Albion and Besiktas.
- Jim Slaven: A Scottish political activist.
- Danny Slavens: An American attorney and politician who served as a legislator in the U.S. state of New Mexico.
- Rebecca Slaven: A Canadian actress known for her roles in popular TV shows and films such as "Life Unexpected" and "Fringe".
- Vjekoslav Slaven Vincek: A famous Croatian actor popular for his roles in movies like “Long Dark Night” and “Sleep Sweet, My Darling”.
- Jason Slavens: An American artist known for his work as a digital compositor in films like Thor:Ragnarok and Logan.
- Marion Slavin: An American actress recognized for her participation in theater productions.
- Libby Slaven: An Australian actress known for her bit in the soap opera "Neighbours".