The Livens surname comes from a Middle English given name Lefwine, which in turn comes from the Old English elements "leof," which meant "dear" or "beloved," and "wine," which meant "friend."
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Early Origins of the Livens family
The surname Livens was first found in Shropshire where the family was anciently seated.
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Early History of the Livens family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Livens research. Another 202 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1010, 1086, 1275, 1292, 1327, 1576, 1602, 1659, 1661, 1712 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Livens History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Livens Spelling Variations
Anglo-Norman names are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Lewin, Lewins, Lewens, Lewinson and others.
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Early Notables of the Livens family
Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Justinian Lewyn (Lewen) knighted May 12, 1661; and John Lowin (1576-1659), an English actor, became associated with the theatrical world by 1602. Born in... Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Livens Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Livens family
For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the New World an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor, and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Livens or a variant listed above were: Mary Lewin was recorded as having arrived in Virginia in 1638; Charles Lewen arrived in Maryland in 1669; William Lewin arrived in New England in 1712.
England
