The English family name Harvett is classified as being of personal name origin. According to scholars the “oldest and most pervasive type of surname is that derived from a given name”. Such family names may be derived from a parental first name or from the font name of the grandfather or indeed a more remote ancestor of the original bearer of the surname. With regard to the family name Harvett, this name is derived from the personal name Harvat or Harvet, diminutive forms of Harvey. Thus the original bearer of this name was known by members of his community as “the son of or descendent of Harvey”. This personal name is derived from the Old Breton name “Haerviu”, meaning “battle worthy”. Occasionally, this name derives from the Old Germanic name “Herewig” meaning “army-war”. Variants of the surname Harvett include Harvat, Harvet, Harvatt, Harvitt and Harvott.
One of the earliest references to this surname or to its variants is a record of Joane Harvatt, daughter of John and Elizabeth Harvatt, whose christening took place in Brockhampton near Ross, Hereford, England, March 6, 1667. However research is ongoing and this name may have been documented even earlier than the dates indicated above.
One of the earliest references to this surname or to its variants is a record of Joane Harvatt, daughter of John and Elizabeth Harvatt, whose christening took place in Brockhampton near Ross, Hereford, England, March 6, 1667. However research is ongoing and this name may have been documented even earlier than the dates indicated above.
Source: The Historical Research Center International, Inc. 632 S. Military Trail, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, USA
1 comment:
Hi Gavin,
I belive I may have some answers for you.
I am in possession of a family Bible that belonged to Susara Maria Koekemoer, the wife of John William Harvett. I believe he was Irish. Susara was Dutch.
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