Last Name Cavill

The surname Cavill is of English origin and is derived from a nickname meaning "raven-haired" or "dark-haired." It comes from the Old Norse word "karl," which means man or free man, combined with the Old Norse byname "hvitra," meaning raven-colored or dark. The name was often Anglicized to Kavell and later Cavill. The earliest records of this surname date back to the 13th century in England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cavill

The meaning and origin of the last name Cavill

The surname Cavill is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English word "ceaf", meaning 'chief' or 'boss'. It is one of the many surnames that were originally given as nicknames, signifying a person who was regarded as a leader or someone with prominent features. Over the centuries, it has been spelled in various ways, including Cavil, Caivell, and Cawell, due to phonetic variations during different periods in English history. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the British actor Henry Cavill, known for his role as Superman in the DC Extended Universe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cavill

The surname Cavill is primarily distributed across England, particularly in the northern counties such as Yorkshire and Westmorland, suggesting its origin from these regions. However, it has also been found in other parts of England, including Lancashire, Cumberland, and Durham. The name's distribution extends to other English-speaking countries due to migration, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentrations are in states like California, Texas, and Florida, mirroring the trends of English immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of Cavill indicates a strong association with England, but its presence in other English-speaking countries suggests a history of migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cavill

The surname Cavill has several variations and spelling alternatives, including:

1. Cavil: A variant with one 'l' at the end, rather than two as in the original form.
2. Cavile: Another variation, where the ending '-le' replaces the usual '-ll'.
3. Kavill or Keavill: Phonetic variations that may have arisen due to regional accents and dialects.
4. MacCavell or McCavell: Gaelicized forms of the name Cavill, with the addition of the Irish prefix 'Mac' or 'Mc'.
5. Kawal or Kowall: Potential Eastern European or Slavic adaptations of the name Cavill.
6. Kaval, Cavil, Cawell, and Cavell: These are phonetic variations that might have emerged as a result of minor pronunciation differences among people with the surname Cavill in different geographical regions.

Famous people with the last name Cavill

Henry Cavill, a renowned British actor, is perhaps the most well-known individual with the surname Cavill. He was born on May 5, 1983, in Jersey, Channel Islands. Known for his chiseled features and striking blue eyes, Cavill gained international recognition for portraying Superman/Clark Kent in the DC Extended Universe films, including Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017). Prior to his superhero role, he appeared in TV series like The Tudors and The Immortal Nemesis. Outside of acting, Cavill is an advocate for mental health awareness and has been involved with the charity organization SANE. Another notable figure with the surname Cavill is Natalie Dormer, a British actress best known for her roles in Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games film series.

Genealogical research on the last name Cavill

The surname Cavill is of English origin and is believed to have derived from various places named Cawthorne, Cavill's Hill, or Cavil in Yorkshire, England. Early records indicate that the name was first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as de Cawtorne and Cauctune, and later appeared as Cavell, Cavill, and Cawthorn in the 13th century. The name is also associated with the Normans who invaded England in 1066, suggesting a possible Norman origin. Notable individuals bearing the surname Cavill include Henry Cavill, a British actor known for his roles in the Superman films and the Witcher series. Other notable figures include English cricketer William Cavill and Australian politician James Arthur Cavill. The name's distribution is primarily concentrated in England but can also be found in other English-speaking countries due to emigration over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cavill"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends