Show ContentsGiffent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Giffent family

The surname Giffent was first found in Lanarkshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Lannraig) a former county in the central Strathclyde region of Scotland, now divided into the Council Areas of North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, and the City of Glasgow.

One of the earliest records of the family was Thomas Given, who witnessed a charter of "vnum rete super matricem aquam de Thei" by David de Haya to the monks of Cupre in 1214. 1

Early History of the Giffent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Giffent research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1214, 1630 and 1655 are included under the topic Early Giffent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Giffent Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Given, Givens, MacGiven, MacGivern and others.

Early Notables of the Giffent family

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

Migration of the Giffent family to Ireland

Some of the Giffent family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Giffent family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Elizabeth Given arrived in New York in 1823; George, Henry, James, John, Michael, Robert, Samuel, Thomas and William Given all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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