Surname Paveley - Meaning and Origin
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Paveley: What does the surname Paveley mean?
The surname Paveley is of English origin and has roots in the medieval period. It is derived from a place name - Paveley was a region in England. This is a common trait among English surnames, with families often taking their last name from the place they inhabited. Therefore, individuals with the Paveley name likely had ancestors who hailed from this area. Over time, spelling variations of the surname, such as Pavely, Pavley, and Pavey have also emerged due to historical shifts in language and phonetics. Like many surnames, tracing the precise origins and initial meaning of Paveley can be challenging due to the passage of time and lack of detailed historical records. However, it reflects a deep connection to English heritage and geography.
Order DNA origin analysisPaveley: Where does the name Paveley come from?
The last name Paveley is commonly found in England. The name originated in the mid-14th century, observation research conducted by the University of British Columbia suggests there are now over 11,700 people with the Paveley name. It is most commonly recorded in the counties of Somerset and Devon in south-west England, but there are pockets of the name throughout the UK.
The Paveley name is derived from the Old French Pavenelle, which means 'dweller by the paved path'. It has links to French settlers in England, suggesting a Norman or Huguenot origin. The number of Paveleys has remained consistent over the centuries and is still in use today.
Families with the last name Paveley are most likely descended from the same common ancestor, with the majority living in England, Scotland, and Wales. Most Paveleys today are part of large extended families with a long history in the same area. The Paveley name is not commonly found outside of the British Isles.
Today, there is a stronger representation of the Paveley name in the UK than there were in the 16th century, with increasing numbers in the United States and Canada, as indicated by records of the National Gazetteer. However, the name remains largely concentrated in England, and is slowly beginning to spread to other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Paveley
The surname Paveley is derived from the Old French word “pavillion”, meaning small village. It is believed to have originated in Normandy, France and spread throughout Europe. It is found in many variations and spellings, including Pavely, Pavley, Pavly, Pavlie, Pavle, Pavil, Pavele, Paveldon, Pavelon, Pavilon, Paveland, Pavland, Pavildon, Paveldon, Pawlson, and Pavleson.
In England, the surname is quite widespread, especially in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. Its variants can be found in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other European countries. In America, Paveleys can be found in various states, with Pennsylvania having the highest concentration.
It is believed that all of these variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin – Paveley – derive from the same source, offering insight into the French origins of this surname.
It is not clear when the family name first emerged, but it is believed to have been before the Norman Conquest of 1066. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the family name appears as Pavelli. The surname was certainly in popular usage by the 12th century, and by the 16th century had taken on the various spellings used today.
By 1881, the total population of Paveleys was reported to be 876. This represented 0.19% of the population in Great Britain at the time.
Famous people with the name Paveley
- David Paveley: award-winning motion designer and art director from the UK who has developed campaigns for some top brands such as Adidas, Google, and Coca-Cola.
- Chris Paveley: prominent English landscape and travel photographer whose work has been featured by the BBC, Vogue, and Conde Nast Traveller.
- Victoria Paveley: internationally-recognized author and vocal coach from the UK, specializing in helping singers expand their vocal range, sustain notes, and improve their dynamic control.
- Mickey Paveley: singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has recorded and produced 3 albums, all of which have earned glowing reviews from music critics.
- Joe Paveley: BMX champion from the UK who won numerous medals at international competitions such as the UCI World Races and the X-Games.
- Paul Paveley: British stage and screen actor who has appeared in numerous movies, plays, and TV shows.
- Laura Paveley: Award-winning and critically-acclaimed actress from the UK, famous for her roles in popular films such as The Edge of Love and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
- John Paveley: British rapper and producer who has been described as “one of the most underrated lyricists in the game.”