Show ContentsCarvil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 added many new elements to an already vibrant culture. Among these were thousands of new names. The Carvil family lived in Norfolk. The name is taken from the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, in Carville, Normandy. 1

Early Origins of the Carvil family

The surname Carvil was first found in Norfolk.

"The gateway of the ancient Hall [of Wiggenhall] built by the Kerville family, is still remaining. The church is a stately structure in the later English style, with a square embattled tower; the nave is lighted by clerestory windows, and there are a fine brass eagle, and an altar-tomb bearing the arms of the Kervilles and the Plowdens, with the effigies of a knight in armour, his lady, and two children." 2

The source 'History of Norfolk' includes the following entries for the family with various spellings throughout: Robert de Cherevill, Norfolk, 29 Henry II; Roger de Cherevile, Norfolk, 10 Richard I; Walter Cnervyle, rector of Bicham Well, Norfolk, 1329; Frederic de Carvill, Norfolk; Humphrey Carvile, Norfolk, 30 Henry VIII; Thomas Carvel, Norfolk, 1662; and Edmund Carvill, Norfolk, 1599. 3

Early History of the Carvil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Carvil research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1204, 1545, 1549, 1553, 1566, 1600, 1603, 1622, 1647, 1655, 1664 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Carvil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Carvil Spelling Variations

Endless 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 Carvill, Carvel, Carvell, Carvil, Carvile, Carville, Kervel, Carvaile, Carwell and many more.

Early Notables of the Carvil family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Nicholas Carvell (d. 1566), English poet, elected from Eton to King's College 1545, was B.A. 1549, M.A. 1553. "He was at Zurich during the reign of Queen Mary, but returned after Elizabeth's accession and died in the summer of 1566. " 4Thomas Carwell (1600-1664), Jesuit, whose real name was Thorold, "belonged to the ancient Lincolnshire family...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Carvil Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Carvil family to Ireland

Some of the Carvil family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 76 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Carvil migration to Australia +

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

Carvil Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Bernard Carvil, a sawyer, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832


The Carvil Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Sola virtus triumphat
Motto Translation: Virtue alone triumphs.


  1. 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)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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