Surname Govier - Meaning and Origin

Govier: What does the surname Govier mean?

The last name Govier is of English or French origin and is thought to be derived from the French word "gouverneur," meaning "governor," indicating an ancestor who held a post at a royal court.

The earliest recorded variation of the name is "Gouvernor," and it appears as "Governor" in the 12th century. By the 14th century, the spelling had shifted to include a "v" and an "e". Records show that the surname is well established in Southern England, especially in Devon, having spread to the far north of England, Scotland, and the continent.

The surname Govier was originally used to denote someone who held a post as an executive officer such as a governor, lieutenant, or constable whose role it was to control a certain area or region. As time passed, some people with the last name eventually found their way into more professional roles such as lawyers, merchants, or military officers.

While the origin of the Govier surname can be traced back several centuries, it has become increasingly prevalent in recent times. As with many other last names, individuals with the Govier last name are now found all over the world. The name can also be found in South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

Govier: Where does the name Govier come from?

The last name Govier is most commonly found in England today. According to Ancestry.com,Govier is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from a male ancestor's first name. This particular surname is of English origin and was originally derived from the Old French language.

The first records from the Govier family can be traced back to the early 13th century in Cornwall and Devon. Population data from the 1881 Census of England and Wales showed that the surname was most heavily concentrated around these counties, particularly in the coastal towns.

Today, the surname Govier is still diversely spread throughout England. The internet’s largest database, Geni.com, lists many living descendants of the Govier name from Manchester to Wiltshire, from the Isle of Wight to Oldham. It can even be found far away in the United States of America, albeit in much smaller numbers.

Overall, the name Govier is still a relatively uncommon name, but data suggests it is present in sufficient quantities to ensure its survival for generations to come.

Variations of the surname Govier

The surname Govier is a variant of several common European surnames including Gouverneur, Gouvernay, and Goveray. In England, the name eventually became Gower, which was anglicized either from the French Gouverneur or the Old Norse Gufari. In the United States, the surname Gower is found primarily in Texas while the corresponding Govier is primarily found in Louisiana.

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Govier include:

• Gouverneur (French)

• Gouvernay (French)

• Goveray (French)

• Gower (English)

• Govaers (Dutch)

• Gouvras (Dutch)

• Goviers (Dutch)

• Govaris (Greek)

• Govare (Norwegian)

• Gover (Italian)

• Govar (Romanian)

The mutation of these surnames has resulted in various spellings of the same origin, some of which include Gouverneur, Gouvernay, Goveray, Gower, Govaers, Gouvras, Goviers, Govaris, Govare, Gover, and Govar. In addition to the spelling variations, there can also be other phonetically-specific spellings of the names, such as Govero or Gouvraez.

The spelling variations from the surname Govier are not the only variations of the surname. Other surnames, such as Gouver, Govaert, Govers, and Gouvene, share the same origin. While some families may keep their surnames the same, others may add or omit a letter, which can create a variety of different spellings.

Famous people with the name Govier

• Stephen Govier: a British painter, lithographer and illustrator.
• Tonia Govier: a Canadian professor of educational leadership.
• Mat Govier: a British singer-songwriter and radio presenter.
• Russell Govier: an Australian MMA fighter.
• Mark Govier: a British broadcaster and TV Producer.
• Ron Govier: a Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• Gareth Govier: a British painter and printmaker.
• Leonard Govier: a British politician and former mayor.
• Philip Govier: a British industrialist and entrepreneur.
• Clara Govier: a British actress and screenwriter.
• Charlotte Govier: a British TV news reporter.
• Paul Govier: a British sculptor and visual artist.
• Felicity Govier: a British author of novels and short stories.
• Joseph Govier: a British soldier and military historian.
• Doris Govier: a British author of books on gardening and plants.

Other surnames

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