Show ContentsGiven History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Given family

The surname Given was first found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in North Brabant, a province of the Netherlands. The principal cities are Eindhoven, Helmund and Tilburg. Historically one province, it is now North and South, the north being a part of Holland. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.

Early History of the Given family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Given research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Given History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Given Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Giffen, Given, Givel, Givert, Geven, Gevel, Gevenich and many more.

Early Notables of the Given family

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

Given Ranking

In the United States, the name Given is the 8,572nd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1


United States Given migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Given Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • David Given, who landed in New England in 1719 2
Given Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • James Given, who arrived in New York in 1801 2
  • Margaret Given, who arrived in New York, NY in 1811 2
  • James Given, who landed in New York, NY in 1812 2
  • Daniel Given, who arrived in New York in 1814 2
  • Samuel Given, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 2
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Given Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • William James Given, who arrived in Alabama in 1915 2
  • Harry Given, who landed in Alabama in 1918 2

Australia Given migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Given Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. George Given, (McDougall, Alexander), Scottish convict who was convicted in Stirling, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Cornwall" on 28th February 1851, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 3

New Zealand Given migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Given Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • R. Given, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Three Bells" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 13th July 1858 4
  • William Given, aged 39, a farm labourer, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oxford" in 1874
  • Mary Given, aged 38, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oxford" in 1874
  • Sarah Given, aged 8, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oxford" in 1874
  • William Alexander Given, aged 6, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Oxford" in 1874
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Given (post 1700) +

  • Thelma Mary Given Verdi (1896-1977), American violinist and child musical prodigy
  • Josiah Given (1828-1908), American jurist, Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court from March 12, 1889 to December 31, 1901
  • Séamus John James "Shay" Given (b. 1976), Irish footballer
  • Brigadier Thomas Frederick Given (1894-1952), British Civil Affairs Officer British Administration Somalia (1946-1952) 5
  • Edward Given, British Diplomat


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  3. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 11th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/cornwall
  4. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  5. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, October 5) Thomas Given. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Given/Thomas_Frederick/Great_Britain.html


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