HOME > Harvey Last Name Origin
Introduction
The last name Harvey has a rich history and interesting origin. Like many family names, it has evolved over time and has been influenced by various factors such as geography, occupation, and social status. In this article, we will explore the origins of the Harvey family name and its evolution over time.
Etymology of the Name Harvey
The name Harvey is of English origin and is derived from the Old Breton name Huiarnviu, which means 'iron-hearted'. The name was brought to England by Breton mercenaries who were hired by the Anglo-Saxon kings in the 11th century. The name was later anglicized to Harvey.
Geographical Distribution of the Name Harvey
According to the 2010 United States Census, the last name Harvey is the 1,015th most common surname in the United States, belonging to 0.018% of the population. The name is most commonly found in the southern states of the US, particularly in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. In England, the name is most commonly found in the southwest, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall.
Famous People with the Last Name Harvey
The Harvey family name has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history. Some of the most famous people with the last name Harvey include: 1. William Harvey - an English physician who was the first to describe the circulation of blood in the human body. 2. Paul Harvey - an American radio broadcaster who was known for his conservative commentary. 3. Steve Harvey - an American comedian, television host, and actor. 4. PJ Harvey - an English musician and singer-songwriter. 5. Harvey Milk - an American politician and gay rights activist who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.
Coat of Arms of the Harvey Family
The Harvey family has a coat of arms that dates back to the 16th century. The coat of arms features a red shield with three gold lions passant guardant. Above the shield is a helmet with a gold crest that features a silver unicorn's head. The motto of the Harvey family is 'In Arduis Fidelis', which means 'Faithful in Adversity'.
Genealogy of the Harvey Family
Tracing the genealogy of the Harvey family can be a challenging task, as the name has been spelled and pronounced in various ways over time. However, there are many resources available for those who are interested in researching their Harvey family history. Some of the most useful resources include: 1. Ancestry.com - a popular genealogy website that allows users to search through millions of historical records to find information about their ancestors. 2. FamilySearch.org - a free genealogy website that is run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The website has a large database of historical records and offers many helpful tools for genealogists. 3. Local historical societies and archives - many local historical societies and archives have collections of historical records that can be useful for genealogical research.
Conclusion
The Harvey family name has a rich history and interesting origin. Whether you are a member of the Harvey family or simply interested in genealogy and family history, there are many resources available for researching the history of this fascinating family name.
