Last Name Even

The surname "Even" has multiple origins. It is of Hebrew origin and can be a short form for the biblical name "Efrayim" (אֶפְרַיִם) or a variant of the name "Yehuda ben Even," meaning "Judah son of Even." In this context, Even is a personal name derived from the Hebrew word "even" (עֵוֶן), which means "sin" or "iniquity." The surname "Even" can also be of French origin. It originates from the Old Norse given name "Eyvindr," which was brought to France by Viking invasions. The name is composed of the elements "eyr" (island) and "vendr" (wanderer or warrior). In French, this name evolved into "Evein" or "Even." Another origin can be found in Germanic languages, where "Even" may have been a topographic surname for someone who lived near an ash tree (Yew), as the Old English and Old High German words for yew are similar to "even." It is important to note that the exact origin of a particular family's Even surname can depend on their specific migration history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Even

The meaning and origin of the last name Even

The surname "Even" is of Jewish origin, specifically from Eastern Europe, particularly Lithuania and Poland. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Ephraim," which means "fruitful" or "fertile." This name was given to the second son of Joseph in the Hebrew Bible. Over time, this name underwent various transformations as it spread across Europe, with different regional dialects influencing its spelling and pronunciation. The Ashkenazi Jewish communities were responsible for the widespread dissemination of this surname, due to their extensive migration during the Middle Ages and beyond. Today, the surname "Even" can be found in various parts of the world, with a significant concentration among Jewish populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Even

The surname Even is predominantly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, where it originated from the Old Norse word "Eyvindr," which means "Yew-friend." However, its usage has expanded beyond Scandinavia due to migration patterns and historical events. In North America, the surname Even is found among the Norwegian immigrants who settled in areas like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, as well as other parts of the United States. Similarly, in Australia and New Zealand, there is a notable presence of the Even family name among Scandinavian immigrants. In Europe, the name can also be found in countries with historical ties to Scandinavia, such as England, Germany, and the Netherlands. The global dissemination of the Even surname reflects the historical migration patterns of people from Scandinavia to various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Even

The surname Even has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include:

1. Even - Most commonly used and considered the original spelling. It is of German origin and means "even" or "level."
2. Ewan - A variant of Even with Scottish Gaelic origins. This name is also a male given name in Scotland, meaning 'youth' or 'young warrior.'
3. Evan - A more modern variation of both Even and Ewan. It is most commonly used as a given name in English-speaking countries, especially in Wales, where it derives from the Welsh "Ifan."
4. Iven - An older variant that shares the same roots but may have been influenced by regional dialects or phonetic changes over time.
5. Yeven - A spelling variation with an added y that can be found in some names databases, although it is less common.
6. Eyven - Another less frequent spelling variant, with the initial vowel sound changed to "e."
7. Iuven - A rarer and older spelling variant that may have been influenced by Latin or other languages.

Famous people with the last name Even

The Even surname is notably linked to several distinguished individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Anatoly Evgenyevich Ivanov-Smolensky, better known as Anatoliy Everhart (1932-2016). A Russian-American aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the design for the Boeing 747 and Boeing 757 aircraft.

In the world of literature, Ivan Alexandrovich Evényen (1839-1907), a prominent Russian writer, is another notable figure with this surname. Known by his pen name, Ivan Turgenev, he authored some of the most influential works in 19th-century Russian literature, including "Fathers and Sons" and "A Sportsman's Sketches."

Lastly, Alexander Even (born 1958), a physicist specializing in condensed matter physics, has made significant contributions to the field. He was a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and is currently a distinguished professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Genealogical research on the last name Even

The surname Even originates from Old Norse and Germanic roots, with various branches spread across Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Historically, it is believed to have been originally an occupational name for a swineherd or pig-keeper, derived from the Old Norse word 'efn', meaning pig or swine.

In Scandinavia, the Even family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, particularly in Norway and Denmark. Some notable figures with this surname include Bjorn Evenrud, a Norwegian resistance fighter during World War II, and Even Hovland, a Norwegian politician who served as the Minister of Trade and Shipping from 1963 to 1965.

The Even family also migrated to other parts of Europe and eventually to America. In North America, the name is most prevalent in regions with high Scandinavian immigration such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington State. Notable American Evens include Thomas Even, who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 1957 to 1963, and John Even, an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of semiconductor physics.

In summary, the surname Even has roots in Old Norse and Germanic languages, originating as an occupational name for a swineherd. The family can be traced back to Scandinavia in the Middle Ages, with branches extending across Europe and North America. Notable members of the Even family have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, resistance, and science.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Even"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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