Last Name Bivins

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bivins

The meaning and origin of the last name Bivins

The surname Bivins is of English origin, derived from various place names that contain the Old English elements "bi" (meaning by or near) and "fenn" (meaning marsh or fen). One such location is BiFen in Nottinghamshire. Over time, this geographical name was adopted as a surname, with Bivins being one of its variations. The name may also have been an occupational surname for someone who lived near a marsh or wetland area and perhaps engaged in related activities such as farming or hunting. As with many English surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Bivins have evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in language and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bivins

The last name Bivins is predominantly distributed across the United States due to its historical origins from African American families originating in the southern states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Over time, it has also been found in other parts of the country as individuals with this surname migrated during the Great Migration in the early 20th century. Additionally, there are small pockets of Bivins descendants in Canada, particularly in Ontario, due to migration from the United States. The surname can also be found in England and Wales, where it likely originated as a variant of Bevins or Babyns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bivins

The surname Bivens has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variations include Bevins, Biwins, Bywins, Bevin, Bevan, Beaven, Bevinses, Bevyns, and Bywens. These variants may be found in various parts of the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, Canada, and England. The origin of the name is thought to be Old English and means "son of Bjef," with Bjef being derived from the word "beof" meaning "bee." This surname has been recorded under various spellings since at least the 13th century.

Famous people with the last name Bivins

The Bivins family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Marquis Daniels, a professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Boston Celtics over his NBA career spanning from 2001 to 2014. Another well-known figure is Dr. James H. Bivins, a renowned sociologist and professor at Howard University, who has made significant contributions to the field of education and civil rights. Additionally, Robert Bivins is a distinguished professor of ancient history at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, known for his research on Roman Africa and slavery. Lastly, Tasha Bivens, an American actress, is recognized for her roles in films like "The Best Man" and "The Best Man Holiday."

Genealogical research on the last name Bivins

The surname Bivins originates from England and is of Norman descent. It is believed to have derived from the Old French "Beuvin," which means "beaver" or "dweller near a beaver-infested area." The name was likely brought to England by the Normans following their conquest in 1066. Over time, various spellings of the name emerged due to translation and phonetic changes, such as Bevins, Beavens, Beevin, and Byvens.

In America, the Bivins family is predominantly found in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with a significant number tracing their roots back to the early 1800s. Notable figures with the surname include Thomas Henry Bivins, an American politician who served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1925 to 1929; and Frank R. Bivens, a federal judge who was instrumental in the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Carotene Products Co., Inc. (1948). Genealogical research on the Bivins family continues to uncover more information about its history and migration patterns worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Bivins"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025