Surname Devor - Meaning and Origin
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Devor: What does the surname Devor mean?
The surname Devor is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Gabhann" which means "son of the blacksmith". This patronymic name was given to the descendants of blacksmiths who played a crucial role within their communities in medieval Ireland. Over time, these names became anglicised due to the predominance of English influence, and the surname Devor, along with many variations such as McGovern and MacGowan, emerged. Hence, the Devor surname signals a historic family trade and is an important link to the professional lives of the ancestors of those who bear it today. Additionally, geographic distribution of the Devor surname in the past has been particularly concentrated in the northern part of Ireland, specifically in the county of Cavan.
Order DNA origin analysisDevor: Where does the name Devor come from?
The surname Devor is believed to be of Anglo-Norman origin, coming from Northern France. Over centuries, it has been adapted and changed in various regions, leading to multiple forms such as Devore, Dever, Devere, and several others.
After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, many Normans moved to England and introduced many new names into England. It is likely that this is how the name Devor initially appeared in the British Isles. Over time, the people bearing the surname moved to other parts of the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Ireland, where further variations were developed.
Today, the surname Devor and its variations can be found in a number of countries around the world, although it remains relatively uncommon. It is most prevalent in the United States, with significant concentrations also found in Canada, England, and Australia. It is least common in France where it originally came from. The widespread reach of the surname suggests a history of migration and diaspora.
Variations of the surname Devor
The surname Devor is most likely of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic name Ó Dubhoir, meaning "descendant of Dubhor", a byname for a noisy person or possibly "black bitter" indicating a strong, powerful character.
Variants of the name can be heavily influenced by translation and regional accents, often being Anglicized for simplicity. Known spellings include Diver, Devere, Dever, Divver, Divers, O'Devir, O'Diver, O'Devoir, Devore, DeVore, Devoe, Devaux, and possibly Devos. It's noteworthy that the variations Devere and DeVore are especially popular, and may be more commonly encountered.
Irish surnames often have prefixes such as "Ó", signifying "grandson of" or "descendent of", and "Mac", meaning "son of". Thus, names like O'Devor or MacDevor may also have the same roots.
However, genealogical research is recommended because other origins are possible, and similar-sounding surnames can have different origins. For example, Devaux and Devos may also be of French or Belgian origin respectively, deriving from the name Devaud or De Vos.
It's important to be aware of these variations when conducting family history research or tracing ancestry.
Famous people with the name Devor
- There are few known famous people with the last name Devor:
- Aaron Devor: An internationally recognized expert on transgender and transsexual issues, Aaron Devor holds the rank of Professor at the University of Victoria in Canada. He is a founder and Academic Director of the world's largest Transgender Archives.
- Esther Rochon Devor: She is a Canadian science fiction writer popularly known for her epic series 'Chroniques de l'épée de bois'.
- Mark Devor: He is a well-known British Theological scholar who provokes thoughts on several Christian issues and is known for his conservative, biblical stance on evangelical issues.
- Jack C. Devor: An American film producer and director, known for his works like "Mondo Utah" and "Zoo".
- Ryan Devor: An American film producer and director. He is mainly known for “Caught” and “An Indecent Obsession”. Please note that the list is not extensive. Since the last name 'Devor' is not common, there may not be many famous people with that name. It's also possible that some might have changed their last names during their careers.