Givens
A surname that likely began as a short form of Given, ultimately from the medieval personal name Gavin or a related nickname form.
The #1,419 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 12,317 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Givens is usually treated as a surname built from Given, itself a name that can reflect the medieval personal name Gavin. Gavin was long used in Scotland and northern England, and it is commonly linked to a form of the Arthurian name Gawain. In practice, Givens is most likely a patronymic or family-name extension meaning “descendant of Given/Gavin,” though some bearers may come from independent local or documentary spellings.
History
The historical excerpts provided mention Givens only in passing, alongside related forms such as Given, Gittings, and Givings, so they support the surname as part of a wider family of names rather than giving a full etymology. In modern usage, Givens is established in English-speaking countries, especially the United States. The surname is often found in records as a variant group with Given, Givins, and Givings.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The same name family also produced Given as a forename and surname, which is why Givens can look like a plural form but really functions as a family-name variant.
From the historical record
“Charity has its Grant* (a name borne by one among us truly distinguished for that quality), Boon, Dole, Pension, Ransom, Givens, Begg, Beggs, and Plea- sure. Mrs. Begg, the sister of the poet Burns, died in 1858. Roger Bounty is mentioned in the Colony Records of 1657. England has a family named Cha- rity. Alms was…”
— Suffolk Surnames (3rd ed.)