Surname Pavey - Meaning and Origin
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Pavey: What does the surname Pavey mean?
The surname Pavey is of French origin, believed to be derived from the Old French word "pavie", meaning peach. Early bearers of the last name were likely involved in the cultivation or selling of peaches. The name could also relate to a dweller or worker near a peach orchard.
It's also theorized that Pavey can be a topographic or occupational name for someone who was either a road or pavement builder, deriving from the Middle English term "pave" (to pave).
With the use of surnames dating back to the middle ages, it’s considered a significant aspect of one’s identity, often telling stories about the family's occupation, geography, or even physical appearance.
However, the exact origin and meaning of the surname can differ among families as family names often evolved based on the specific circumstances or professions connected to the bearer. Therefore, for an accurate understanding of the surname for a specific individual or family, genealogical research would need to be conducted.
Order DNA origin analysisPavey: Where does the name Pavey come from?
The last name Pavey is most common in England and Wales today. According to the UK government's Office for National Statistics, Pavey is currently ranked as the 2,806th most popular name in England and Wales. It is most prevalent in Wales, particularly in the county of Flintshire, where it ranks among the top 400 surnames.
The Pavey name has several derivations, including a Welsh version of "Paul" as well as an Old English version meaning "the paviour". The name could have also arisen through the occupation of paving roads or buildings. It is thought to have originated as an occupational name and was likely first used in the 12th century.
The Pavey name is not limited to England and can be found elsewhere in the world. According to Ancestry.com, there are Pavey families in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and a few other countries. The name is also used throughout many European countries.
Overall, the surname Pavey is relatively uncommon by today's standards worldwide, but is especially prevalent in England and Wales. Those with the last name Pavey can be proud of their heritage, which likely dates back centuries.
Variations of the surname Pavey
The surname Pavey is of English origin and is believed to have a derived from the old French word “pai” meaning “pay”. This suggests that the surname is derived from being a “payer” or possibly a “collector of taxes”.
Variants of the surname include Pavey, Pavee, Paveey, Paveeke, Pavet, Pavett and Pavette.
Spelling variations for the surname can range from Peavey, Pevey, Peavie, Peavoy, Peevey, Peevie, Peevoy to Payvey, Paevie, Paevoy and Puvee.
Alternate surnames related to Pavey include Payne, Paine, Pearse, Percy, Pierce, Paige, Peachey, and Pearce.
The surname Pavey is primarily found in England, most notably in the counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon,Middlesex, and Wiltshire. The surname is also common in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia and the United States.
Famous people with the name Pavey
- Jo Pavey: British long-distance runner and Olympic athlete.
- Nathan Pavey: Australian rugby union player.
- Jemma Pavey: British actress who starred in various films and TV shows, including "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "EastEnders".
- Suzanne Pavey: British middle-distance runner who competed in the 1992 Olympics.
- Edward Pavey: British politician who served as Member of Parliament between 1841-47.
- Cory Pavey: Professional surfer from Australia.
- Alec Pavey: Former professional BMX racer from Ireland.
- Richard Pavey: British painter as well as a contemporary of the Pre-Raphaelites.
- Alec Pavey: British stockbroker and businessman who acted as an advisor and executive in several international companies.
- Ralph Pavey: Footballer who played in the Football League between 1913-37.