This name BELVOIR was of two-fold origin. It was a locational name 'of de Beauver' spelt in early registers at de Beauvoir. The name was brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name was also a nickname, possibly referring to a hard worker. Surnames having a derivation from nicknames form the broadest and most miscellaneous class of surnames, encompassing many different types of origin. The most typical classes refer adjectivally to the general physical aspect of the person concerned, or to his character. Many nicknames refer to a man's size or height, while others make reference to a favoured article of clothing or style of dress. Many surnames derived from the names of animals and birds. In the Middle Ages ideas were held about the characters of other living creatures, based on observation, and these associations were reflected and reinforced by large bodies of folk tales featuring animals behaving as humans. Many of the early names recorded in medieval documents denote noble families but many also indicate migration from the continent during, and in the wake of, the Norman invasion of 1066. There was a constant stream of merchants, workmen and others arriving in England during this time. In 1086 the Record of Great Inquisition of lands of England, their extent, value, ownership and liabilities was made by order of William The Conquerer. It is known as the Domesday book. Early records of the name mention Prior de Beuver, 1273 County Nottingham. John de Beauver of County York was recorded during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272) and Adam Bever of County Somerset was documented in the year 1273. Juno le Bevere appears in Wiltshire in the year 1300. Edward Beaver married Ellinor Jeffries in Canterbury, Kent in the year of 1675. Bois, son of Osmond Beauvoir, was baptised in 1751 in Canterbury Cathedral. Elizabeth Bever was baptised at St. Thomas the Apostle, London in 1729. The name was taken to Scotland by settlers and William de Beauevyr was recorded in Fife c.1244. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. |
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