Surname Provins - Meaning and Origin

Provins: What does the surname Provins mean?

The last name Provins originates from the French commune of Provins, located in the Center-Val de Loire region. It is derived from the Latin 'provincias', meaning 'bearing out'. The Provins area has been of historic importance, even ruling over several principalities in the 12th and 13th centuries, and is sometimes referred to as 'Paris' version of the Middle Ages.

The first recorded usage of the Provins surname was in the mid 17th century when a Huguenot refugee of unknown origin adopted the name after settling in London. In Britain it is found most commonly in the South and East of England, and often associated with affluent and powerful families.

In later centuries, many people of the Provins last name moved to America in search of economic and political opportunities. The surname spread all the way to Canada and to other French speaking countries in the Caribbean, such as Haiti and Martinique.

The founders of Provins, members of the family hold a particular known symbol, which is two hands intertwined with a flower in the shape of a spiral. It's a traditional symbol of loving friendship and peace. As the people of this name have moved around the world, this symbol serves as a reminder of the origins of the family, values and of their temperance and vigore. Overall, the Provins surname stands for ambition and family ties throughout the generations.

Provins: Where does the name Provins come from?

The last name Provins is most commonly found in France, particularly in the Île-de-France region of the country. The earliest known record of the name dates back as far as 14th century France, in which a certain William Provens was mentioned in a document.

Outside of France, the name is also common in the United States, as many French immigrants emigrated to the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these immigrants settled in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans and around the bayou parishes.

The name is also found in the United Kingdom, where it is primarily found in Scotland, Ireland, and England. Provins is present in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which were popular destinations for French immigrants in the past.

Provins can also be found in some of France's former colonies, such as in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and other African countries. Additionally, Provins is a common name in Brazil, where it is likely due to the descendants of French immigrants from the 18th century.

Given its origins, the surname Provins is most likely of French origin, derived from the name of a geographic location. As such, it is a common name throughout French-speaking countries, together with the countries that have a high population of people of French heritage.

Variations of the surname Provins

The surname Provins is recorded in many spelling forms from various countries and regions, including Provins, Provan, Provens, Provence, Provance, Provans, Provenceau, Provendon, and Provenson. Variants of the name can also be found where individual hereditary names were given to people in Scotland, like Provan, Proven, Provin, and Provinse.

The surname Provins is a habitational name from the French city of Provins. The name is derived from the town's Latin name, Provinsium, from which was derived the Old French name Provins. The name of the town itself is traceable to the Gaulish word providens, meaning ‘foresight’.

A variant form of the surname, Provence, is derived from the region of Provence in southern France. This name is a Latin adaptation of the Gaulish root providens. The Provence surname indicates that a family had come from Provence to settle elsewhere.

The French surname Provenceau is a diminutive of the name Provence, indicating a ‘little citizen of Provence’. The surname Provand is derived from the Old French phrase vois prand (‘path of the briar’).

In Scotland, the surnames Provan, Proven, Provin, and Provinse are derived from the Gaelic phrase ‘Mac an abhainn' (‘son of the river’). Provendon and Provenson are a combination of Provenceau or Provence and ‘son of’.

Overall, the Provins surname is recorded in many variants and spellings and has an interesting background.

Famous people with the name Provins

• Madison Provins: Madison Provins is a professional entertainer and speaker who gained fame for appearing on the television series America's Got Talent.
• Jessica Provins: Jessica Provins is an American singer and actress who has released several albums and starred in several television shows, including the hit drama series Pretty Little Liars.
• Tom Provins: Tom Provins is an American professional motorcycle racer who competed in the AMA Motocross and Supercross series.
• Jack Provins: Jack Provins is an American musician, guitarist, and songwriter. He is known for his intricate fretwork and versatile musical style.
• Sarah Provins: Sarah Provins is an English athlete who is a member of the British Paralympic and Commonwealth teams. She is best known for her success in wheelchair racing and powerlifting.
• Nick Provins: Nick Provins is an American writer and filmmaker who has written and directed several award-winning short films and documentaries.
• Eric Provins: Eric Provins is an American chef and restaurateur who is best known for his popular New Orleans-style restaurant, Provins Kitchen.
• Brad Provins: Brad Provins is an American speed skater who competes in short and long track speed skating. He is a two-time medalist in the World Junior Championships.
• Derek Provins: Derek Provins is an American animator and visual effects supervisor whose works have been featured in a variety of films and television shows.
• Joe Provins: Joe Provins is an American basketball player who played college basketball for the University of Arizona and professionally in the Euroleague.

Other surnames

Province