Leverine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Leverine

What does the name Leverine mean?

The origins of the name Leverine are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the baptismal name Loefhere, deriving its origin from the Old English word Leofhering meaning beloved army. 1

The source Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Henricus Loherene, Normandy 1180, so some of the family may have originated there. 2

Early Origins of the Leverine family

The surname Leverine was first found in Surrey where William Luuering recorded in the Pipe Rolls of 1203. Later in Devon, Thomas Lovering was registered in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1275, and Martin Lovering was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Somerset in 1327. 1

"The Loverings are now represented in the Barnstaple [Devon] district, and 300 years ago they were still to be found in this part of North Devon. There was a John Lovering of Bideford in the reign of Elizabeth, and in the reign of William III. John Lovering commanded one of the Bideford ships engaged in the Newfoundland trade. Loveringe was a common name in Exmouth in the 17th century." 3

Early History of the Leverine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leverine research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1203 is included under the topic Early Leverine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leverine Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Leverine has been spelled many different ways, including Lovering, Loveridge and others.

Early Notables of the Leverine family

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

Migration of the Leverine family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Leverines to arrive in North America: John Lovering, who settled in Virginia in 1663; another John settled in New England in 1630; along with Thomas; George Lovering settled in Philadelphia in 1828.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.