Last Name Evert

The surname Evert is of Dutch and German origin, derived from the medieval given name "Evert" which comes from the Old High German "Iver," a short form of names containing the element "iwaz" or "Ybbo," meaning "yew tree." It was introduced to England by Norman-French settlers in the Middle Ages and has since been anglicized into various forms such as Everett, Evert, and Everts. The surname became more widespread throughout Europe during the migration period due to the popularity of the name Ivar or Eibert, which was a common Scandinavian given name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Evert

The meaning and origin of the last name Evert

The surname Evert originates from the Dutch and German language, derived from the given name Everhard, which means "brave as an arrow" or "hard as a spear." It is an occupational name for a standard-bearer or flag-maker, from Middle Dutch "evere," meaning "standard" or "flag." The name became popularized in various European countries during the late Middle Ages due to the Crusades and migrations. In English-speaking countries, variations of the name include Everett and Everhart. The surname Evert is predominantly found in Dutch-speaking regions but has also been adopted by other cultures, demonstrating its widespread dispersal throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Evert

The surname Evert is predominantly found in Western Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it originates from. In the Netherlands, it ranks among the most common surnames, with significant concentrations in the provinces of North Holland and South Holland. The name also has a presence in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. Beyond Europe, there are populations bearing the name Evert in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, primarily due to migration from the Netherlands and Belgium during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the US, it is mostly concentrated in states like Michigan, New York, and California, reflecting Dutch immigration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Evert

The surname Evert has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions include Everts, Ewert, Even, Evarts, Evrard, and Evartson. These variations may stem from subtle changes in pronunciation, misspellings during migration, or intentional alterations for assimilation purposes. In some cases, the name may also have originated as a nickname based on a Middle High German word "ever," meaning "wild boar." It is essential to note that each variation has its unique historical context and geographical distribution.

Famous people with the last name Evert

Chris Evert and Patrick Evert are two notable individuals with the surname Evert.

Chris Evert, born in 1954, is an American former professional tennis player. She achieved worldwide fame during her career spanning over three decades. Evert was ranked World No. 1 in singles on eight separate occasions between 1974 and 1986, and she won a total of 157 single titles throughout her career, including 18 Grand Slam singles titles. She is often considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, particularly renowned for her defensive skills and mental resilience.

Patrick Evert, on the other hand, is a retired American professional golfer, born in 1965. He had a successful career, winning numerous tournaments including two major championships - the U.S. Open in 1991 and 1992. Known for his powerful driving, Evert reached a high of No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking in 1994. Despite retiring from professional golf in 2007, he continues to be involved in the sport through coaching and commentating.

Genealogical research on the last name Evert

The surname Evert originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German name "Ebihart," meaning "evening-hard." This name was originally a personal name, but it evolved into a surname during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in Germany.

The Evert family spread throughout Europe as a result of various historical events, such as the Reformation and the Thirty Years' War, with some members migrating to neighboring countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In the late 17th century, some Evert families emigrated from Germany to North America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and New York.

Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Evert have emerged across various fields. For example, Johannes Evert (1692-1758) was a prominent pastor in the Moravian Church, while Henrietta Evert-Afboodi (born 1940) is an internationally recognized Dutch artist. In sports, Billie Jean King's family name is Evert, and she is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Evert"
• 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

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