| ![Show Contents]() Neaves History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The distinguished surname Neaves was first brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is derived from the Old French "neveu," meaning "nephew," and was most likely first borne by an orphan who was brought up in the care of his uncle. Alternatively, it may have been used as a euphemism to refer to the illegitimate son of a medieval prelate. Early Origins of the Neaves familyThe surname Neaves was first found in Kent, where the family held estates. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Duke William the Conquerer granted lands to the many Norman barons under his rule; the Neaves family is thought to be descended from one or several of these barons. The first known bearer of the name was Robert le Neve, who was living in Kent in 1242. Early History of the Neaves familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Neaves research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1242, 1250, 1268, 1274, 1579, 1650, 1654, 1661, 1704 and 1729 are included under the topic Early Neaves History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Neaves Spelling VariationsEndless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Neve, Neave, Neaves, Neeve, Neeves, Nephew, Neveu and others. Early Notables of the Neaves familyAnother 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Neaves Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
 Neaves migration to the United States | + |
To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Neaves or a variant listed above:
Neaves Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- William Neaves, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1852
- Elsie Neaves, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States, in 1892
- Peter B. Neaves, aged 38, who immigrated to the United States from Dundee, in 1892
Neaves Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- James Neaves, aged 47, who settled in America from Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1911
- Marian Neaves, aged 28, who settled in America from London, England, in 1911
- Kathleen Neaves, aged 24, who landed in America from London, England, in 1912
- Howard Neaves, aged 59, who landed in America, in 1920
- Arther Neaves, aged 51, who landed in America, in 1920
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
| Contemporary Notables of the name Neaves (post 1700) | + |
- Thomas B. Neaves, American politician, Delegate to Missouri State Constitutional Convention 21st District, 1845-46 1
- Charles Neaves, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from North Carolina, 1956 1
- Kevon DeClan Neaves (b. 1985), Trinidadian football midfielder
- Alan Reginald Neaves (b. 1924), former Australian public servant, lawyer and judge, Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department (1979-1983)
- Charles Neaves (1800-1876), Scottish theologian, judge and writer, known as Lord Neaves
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Neaves migration to the United States 
England
Scotland
