Show ContentsKeyvill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

When the ancestors of the Keyvill family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in the place named Keevil in the county of Wiltshire. [1] The name was originally spelled Chivele in the Domesday Book and claim descent from the Normans. According to the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae, Hais, Peter, Robert Cauvel were of Normandy, 1198; and William, Ranulph, and Gohier Caval were there 1180-1195. [2]

The territory of Chivele in ancient England including two mills, was granted to Anulf de Hesdine, who was a Norman Baron originally from Pas de Calais, in the canton of Hesdin. Hesdine was a tenant-in- chief in Keevil. [3]

Early Origins of the Keyvill family

The surname Keyvill was first found in Hampshire where Keevil, Keevill, Kevill, Kivill all descend from Hugh de Chiuilli c.1110 in Winton. Later in Dorset, William de Keuill was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1203 and Elias de Kivili was found in the Curia Regis Rolls for Kent in 1205. [1]

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included an entry for John Kewel in Oxfordshire [4] and in Somerset, William de Kiwell was registered there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) [5]

Early History of the Keyvill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Keyvill research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1580, 1620, 1751 and 1969 are included under the topic Early Keyvill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Keyvill Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Keyvill has been recorded under many different variations, including Keevill, Keville, Kevell and others.

Early Notables of the Keyvill family

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

Ireland Migration of the Keyvill family to Ireland

Some of the Keyvill family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 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 Keyvill family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Keyvills were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Catherine Kevell, who came to Virginia in 1702; Philip Kevell, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1738; Alexander Keville, who came to Halifax, N.S. in 1834.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. 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)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. 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.


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