Surname Nevill - Meaning and Origin

Nevill: What does the surname Nevill mean?

The last name Nevill is an English surname from the Latin 'neville', which means 'new town'. The name originates in France, where 'neville' was used to refer to a community established by a group of people who had recently moved there. Although it has no direct link to the Norman word 'neville', it was likely adopted during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century.

Originally, the Nevill family were landowners in the area of Middleham in Yorkshire, and they gained a reputation as a powerful and influential family. In 1471, the Nevill family played a prominent role in the War of the Roses, supporting Richard III's claim to the throne and participating in the 'Battle of Bosworth Field', where Richard III was killed.

Later on, the Nevill family became closely associated with the aristocracy and the gentry in England. They were granted lands throughout the country, and as a result, the Nevill name became very prominent and influential in the English social structure.

Today, the Nevill name is still very important in the English aristocracy. It is estimated that there are more than 66,000 people in the United Kingdom who bear the surname Nevill. Besides being a part of the British monarchy, the Nevill family continue to have an influence in politics, business, and the arts.

Nevill: Where does the name Nevill come from?

The last name Nevill is most common in England, primarily in the southwest of the country. The largest concentration of Nevills exists in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset - particularly in the Devon cities of Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, and Taunton. Nevills is also found in newly-formed towns such as Sutton Coldfield (previously Warwickshire) and Tamworth (previously Staffordshire).

The Nevill surname is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages. It is thought that the ancestor of the Nevill family was Roger de Nevill who moved to England from Normandy (in what is now France) following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Roger de Nevill was granted lands in Yorkshire and in Gloucestershire, which were later passed down to his descendants.

The Nevill surname has been popular since the Middle Ages, and is still relatively common today. In fact, it ranks within the top 500 most common surnames in England according to the 2018 UK Census. Outside of England, the Nevill surname can be found in various parts of the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Nevill

The Nevill surname is one of the oldest and most prominent in England, having been in the country since at least the 11th century. Over the years, spellings and variants of the name have evolved and many parts of the British Isles are now home to numerous Nevill families. There are spellings such as Neville, Nevile, Nevill, Nevile, Neviles, and Nevils. Variants of the name include Nevills, Neviles, Nevillels, Nevilsons, and Nevilatts. Spellings in other countries of the world include Neal, Nevyle, Nevele, Nevell, and Nevill.

Surnames related to the Nevill family include Novell, Novello, Nobull, Nuball, Neble, Noble, Noffal, Nobles, Nafziger, Nofziger, Nussbaum and Neubauer.

Many of the Nevill families that still exist trace their lineage back to the Nevill family who originated from Normandy. They were Norman colonists who settled in England after the Norman Conquest. The Nevills were initially granted land in the north of England in 1188, which became their stronghold for the ensuing centuries.

The Nevill families have made a lasting mark in history. They have held prominent positions throughout the country, providing many prominent courtiers, politicians, military leaders, and scholars. The Nevill family even produced several Earls of Westmorland.

Today, the Nevill surname is still quite common in England, though there are Nevill families from all parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Nevill

• Matt Nevill: former professional Australian cricketer
• Reg Nevill: British Member of Parliament
• Margaret Nevill: British botanist and member of the Linnaean Society
• Jimmy Nevill: American jazz drummer
• Gordon Nevill: English professional football player
• Michael Nevill: British major general who fought in the Battle of Waterloo
• Harold Edward Nevill: British World War I soldier recipient of the Victoria Cross
• Ernest Nevill: British World War I soldier recipient of the Victoria Cross
• Marty Nevill: American punk rock musician
• James Nevill: British Anglican priest and theologian
• Mark Nevill: American country music singer
• Thomas Nevill: English Anglican priest
• Elisabeth Nevill: American songwriter
• John Nevill, 5th Marquess of Abergavenny: British peer
• Hugh Nevill: Indian judge
• Edward Nevill: British Labour Party Member of Parliament
• John Nevill: British Conservative Party Member of Parliament

Other surnames

Neville