Geeve History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Geeve has a rich and ancient history. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally derived from the baptismal name for the son of Geoffrey. "The Yorkshire Poll Tax contains endless references to Jeff, or Geff, or Gep; v. Gipp and Jeffs and Jephson. No wonder therefore that corrupted forms have come down to us; v. Geeves, where the Yorkshire instances will be found clearly explained." 1

However, another source claims the name was originally Norman as the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Peter de Cheef (Jeffs), Normandy, 1180-95. 2

Early Origins of the Geeve family

The surname Geeve was first found in Somerset where Thomas Jeve was the first recording of the family, I Edward III (during the first year's reign of King Edward III.) 3

Early History of the Geeve family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Geeve research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1279, 1349, 1369 and 1578 are included under the topic Early Geeve History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Geeve Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Geeve include Jeeves, Jeeve, Jeves, Jeve, Geeves, Geeve, Geve and many more.

Early Notables of the Geeve family

More information is included under the topic Early Geeve Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Geeve family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: John Jeeves, who sailed to Virginia in 1654.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.