Surname Spiva - Meaning and Origin

Spiva: What does the surname Spiva mean?

The surname Spiva is of uncertain origin and meaning due to its rarity. It is often associated with Eastern and Central European Jewish communities, suggesting it could have Ashkenazi or Sephardic roots. Some speculate that Spiva may have originated from the occupational name "spivak", meaning a singer in Yiddish, which itself comes from the Polish word "śpiewak". It could also possibly derive from a regional name "Spiva" in Eastern Europe. However, these are just speculations as there are no confirmed sources for the meaning or origin of the surname Spiva. It's also found in the United States, likely brought by European immigrants. It's always important to remember that surnames can have multiple origins, evolving based on culture, language, and migration patterns.

Spiva: Where does the name Spiva come from?

The last name Spiva is quite common today, especially in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, Spiva is the 1,485th most common last name in the US with approximately 7,312 holders. It is most common in the southeast region, with the highest concentration in Georgia-- in fact, it is the 253rd most common name in the state. Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee each have over 1,000 Spivas, making them the other top locations of the name concentration wise.

The 2010 US Census found Spiva to be most common among White (non-Hispanic) people with 5,842 holders.

Spiva likely originates from Italy and may be related to the Italian word “spero”, which roughly translates to “hope”. The last name is also found in Romania, where it is spelled Speiva, and in Portugal, where it is spelled Espíva.

The last name can be found in documented records as early as the 1800s in the US, predominantly in the southeast region. It is possible the earliest Spivas were among the large population of Italian immigrants that settled in the southeast in the early 20th century.

Today, it is popular among the quake immigrants who settled in the area over the past century, as well as those whose families have been living in the region since the 19th century. The last name is also carried by many Afro-American families from the southeast who adopted it in their quest for a better life in the US during the mid-1900s.

Variations of the surname Spiva

The surname Spiva is an anglicized version of the Spanish name Espívá. It is a locational name derived from the town of Espívá in the province of Almería, Spain. It is also spelled Espiva, Espiva, Espibá, Espíba, Espibes and Espivés. Variants are Spivey, Spice, Spy, Spies and Spey.

Spiva derives from the Old Spanish word "espiba" which means the point or captured fishbone, so it's also interpreted as a fishmonger's name. This surname is believed to have originated in the region of Almeria, Spain.

The spelling of Spiva helps to identify its origin in the languages of the Iberian peninsula. The spelling change from Espivá to Spiva is a common transformation in names that have been anglicized as English orthography has a narrow range of vowel sounds in comparison with Old Spanish.

The surname is found throughout Europe, especially in England, Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy. It has also spread to the United States.

People with the surname Spiva may have a family tie to the Almería region of Spain, a link to fishing, or a general association with the Spanish language. Regardless of their origin and meaning, the variants and spellings of Spiva provide a unique connection to a family’s past and a testament to their heritage.

Famous people with the name Spiva

• John Spiva: Iowa State Representative and current legislative leader.
• Fannie Reuben Spiva: American folk artist, active in the mid-20th century.
• Jim Spiva: American football player and college coach.
• Cassidy Spiva: American Hip Hop artist and record producer.
• Chris Spiva: American actor and director.
• Jim Ed Spiva: Businessman and philanthropist from Montana.
• Gary Spiva: Former Major League Baseball outfielder.
• Josh Spiva: Professional golfer.
• Dorothy Spiva: Professional ballet dancer.
• Brandt Spiva: American entrepreneur and former executive of the computer industry.

Other surnames

Spivey