Geaves History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Geaves

What does the name Geaves mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Geaves comes 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 Geaves family

The surname Geaves 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 Geaves family

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

Geaves Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Geaves has appeared include Jeeves, Jeeve, Jeves, Jeve, Geeves, Geeve, Geve and many more.

Early Notables of the Geaves family

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

Geaves migration to Australia +

Geaves Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Henry Norman Geaves, British Convict who was convicted in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada for life, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 27th October 1819, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 4

Sources +

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.
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel