Surname De Vere - Meaning and Origin
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De Vere: What does the surname De Vere mean?
The surname De Vere has a strong historical lineage tracing back to Anglo-Norman times. Its origins are French and it literally translates to "of truth" or "of faith". However, it's most commonly associated with a noble family originating from the town of Ver, near Bayeux in Normandy, France. The family later migrated to England after the Norman conquest in the 11th Century. The De Vere name became renowned due to their significant status as Earls of Oxford for over half a millennium. Also, one of the prominent theories about the authorship of Shakespeare’s plays suggests that Edward De Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author behind the pseudonym. Thus, the name De Vere is linked to nobility, power, and cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisDe Vere: Where does the name De Vere come from?
The surname De Vere is of Norman origin, specifically derived from Ver, a place near Vire in Calvados, France. The name made its way to England with the Norman Conquest, where Aubrey de Vere became a counselor to William the Conqueror. The de Veres were one of the very few noble families in England to retain their status and wealth throughout the Middle Ages, and also included the Earls of Oxford. Today, the surname De Vere is significantly less common and the distribution is globally scattered. It is found in most English speaking countries, including the UK, the U.S, Canada, and Australia, as well as in parts of Europe. However, it doesn't dominate in any particular region, probably due to historical dispersal, family branch extinction, and name changes. The De Vere name carries significant historical connotations, and is often conjured in discussion of the English aristocracy, heirs, and even theories about Shakespearean authorship.
Variations of the surname De Vere
The surname De Vere has its roots in the French language implying the family's Norman origin. Other versions of this surname may include Devor, DeVere, D'Aver, and De Ver. The De Vere family has been influential in English history, with the Earls of Oxford adapting this surname in their lineage. The spelling might differ in different regions and period due to changes in pronunciation and linguistic adaptation.
Moreover, it's essential to note that in the exploration of genealogy, similar sounding or visually identical surnames may not necessarily derive from the same ancestral roots. Some names may have come to be due to the same or similar occupations, geographical features near a family residence, or even individualized adaptations appointed over time.
Finally, hyphenated variations such as De-Vere might appear in certain cases. Yet, these are less likely to be independent surname evolution variants than individual or familial preferences. Hence, while there's room for numerous possibilities in the contemporary world, historical variants more likely represent the accurate patterns of surname evolution.
Famous people with the name De Vere
- Aubrey de Vere (1788-1846), one of the most loved and respected poets and critics of his time in Britain.
- Henry de Vere, a 19th-century British actor and theater manager.
- Arthur de Vere, an English barrister and banker of the 18th century.
- Edward de Vere (1550–1604), the 17th Earl of Oxford, a courtier and writer of the Elizabethan era.
- Maximilian de Vere, the poet and novelist who was born in the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century.
- Cecil de Vere, a 19th century French international chess master.
- Robin de Vere, a British writer and diplomat who was active in the Elizabethan era.
- Mark de Vere, an Irish priest and patron saint of the Catholic Church.
- Antoine de Vere (1627-1687), a French Jesuit and rector of the Collège de Louis-le-Grand. 10.Henry Cornelius de Vere (1715–1777), an 18th-century English lawyer and politician.