Last Name Engelvin

The surname Engelvin is of Old German origin, derived from the personal name "Engilbert," which was composed of the elements "engel" meaning angel and "berht" meaning bright or famous. Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Englebert, Engelsbert, Engelbertus, Engelbart, and eventually Engelvin in some regions and families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Engelvin

The meaning and origin of the last name Engelvin

The surname Engelvin is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from two Old English elements: "engel" meaning "angel" and "-wine," meaning "friend." It is thought to have been originally a nickname for someone who was considered as pure or ethereal as an angel. The name could also have been occupational, referring to someone who had the role of an angel in a religious play or pageant. The name's spelling variants include Angelvin, Engelvine, and Englevin. It is less common than its variant form, Engleman, which means "man of the Angles," referencing the Germanic tribe from which many English settlers originated. Despite its rarity, the surname Engelvin has been found in various parts of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Geographical distribution of the last name Engelvin

The surname Engelvin has its origins primarily in England and Scotland. According to genealogical research, it is derived from the Old English personal name "Engelwine," meaning 'angel friend.' In England, the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Engelvin can be found in areas such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire, which may suggest a possible origin from these regions. In Scotland, the name is most prevalent in Strathclyde where it is believed to have been brought by Viking settlers who used the Old Norse form "Engilvin." The surname Engelvin has also been found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, due to migration from England and Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Engelvin

The surname Engelvin has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Angilvine, Engleven, Englevin, Englwyn, Englyne, Englyn, Engelin, Engelyn, and Engelen. These variations may be found in various countries such as England, Wales, and Germany, where the name originated. The name is derived from Old English words "engel" meaning angel, and "-win" meaning friend. Therefore, Engelvin can be translated to mean "friend of angels." Despite these variations, the common thread remains that they all share a similar etymology and meaning.

Famous people with the last name Engelvin

Engelvin is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been associated with notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned Engelvins is William Engelhardt Engelvin, an American novelist and journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1963 for his novel "Cold War" (published under the pen name William E. Barrett). Another significant figure with the surname Engelvin is Dr. John R. Engelvin, a retired American physician who made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and tropical medicine. Furthermore, there is Kip Engelvin, an accomplished American actress who has had roles in popular TV shows such as "The Good Wife" and "Elementary." While these are noteworthy examples, it's important to note that the Engelvin surname is borne by many individuals from various walks of life, each contributing their own unique accomplishments to society.

Genealogical research on the last name Engelvin

The Engelvin surname is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon period in England, specifically in Northumberland. Variations such as Englewin, Ingilby, and Ingilveston are historically associated with this lineage. The name is derived from the Old Norse 'Engilfr', which translates to 'Angel-peace'.

The first recorded instance of the surname was John Anglwine in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating a long and distinguished history in England. The Engelvin family migrated to Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster in the early 17th century. Notable members include William Englefield, an English politician who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1549. In America, the name is traced back to John Engelvin, who immigrated from England to Virginia in 1623. Engelvins can also be found in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "engelvin"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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