Recorded in a wide range of spellings including Navan, Naven, Nevin, and patronymics Nevins and Nevinson, this is usually a surname of Scottish origins, but is equally well recorded in Ireland. However spelt the surname has two origins, both Gaelic. Firstly it may be a form of the ancient Gaelic personal name "Naoimhin", a diminutive form of "naomh", and translating as 'Little saint'. Whether this was the literal meaning is another question, but clearly it in the early days a baptismal name of endearment.
Secondly, it could originate from "Mac Cnaimhin", with "Mac", meaning "son of" and "Cnamh", a bone. As such it was apparently a nickname referrence to the first chief of the clan who was a "bony man". It is said that in Scotland the name was first recorded in Galloway in the year 1230 when one Nevinus was the parson of Neveth, whilst later in 1296 Patrick Nevin rendered homage to the short lived republican government of Scotland. In Ireland it is claimed that the name originated in County Galway, about the same period, and is now widespread throughout the country, mostly without the "Mac" prefix. Early examples of the surname recordings include Thomas Nevin, who was the official messenger for the king of Scotland in 1538, whilst the Nevins or Nevins of Monkredding held their lands by charter from 1539. Other recordings include: the marriage of James McNiven to Ann Casey on March 30th 1769 at St. James' church, Westminster, and the christening of Michael, the son of John Phillip and Fannie McNevin, on December 29th 1840, in Dublin. Among the famous namebearers is Baron McNevin (1723 - 1790), who emigrated to Austria, and was physician to the Empress Maria Theresa. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of John McNevin. This was dated 1159, in the "Ancient Records of Ireland", during the reign of Irish High Kings with opposition, 1022 - 1166. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname nevin is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of nevin. Research into the possible origins of nevin leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of nevin.
It is common for surnames like nevin to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that nevin has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where nevin is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname nevin can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of nevin. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named nevin are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname nevin.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname nevin, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of nevin could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all nevins who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname nevin, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname nevin, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname nevin who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname nevin. The bibliography collects information related to the surname nevin, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of nevin.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of nevin, and at the same time, of surnames in general.