Givenchy is a French surname that originally comes from the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. The name is believed to be derived from the Old French word "givenchie", which means "the church of Saint Gervais". The family who originally lived in this village took their surname from the local church, as was common practice during medieval times.
Givenchy is most famously known for being the name of a luxury fashion house founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952. Hubert de Givenchy is a prominent French fashion designer who is credited with popularizing the "sack dress" and creating iconic designs for Audrey Hepburn, among other famous clients.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Givenchy
The meaning and origin of the last name Givenchy
The surname Givenchy is of French origin, derived from the name of a place, "Givet" or "Givenchy," located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. This region has been populated since prehistoric times and is known for its rich history, particularly during the Middle Ages. The name Givenchy is believed to be derived from the Latin word "vicus," meaning a small rural settlement or village.
The name became prominent in the fashion world with the establishment of the House of Givenchy by designer Hubert de Givenchy in 1952. Born into an aristocratic family, Hubert de Givenchy was inspired to create clothing by his mother, who was a seamstress. He gained fame for his elegant and timeless designs, most notably the "sack dress," which became iconic in the post-war fashion scene. His clientele included some of the most famous women of the 20th century, such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and Princess Grace of Monaco. Today, Givenchy remains a luxury brand known for its haute couture, ready-to-wear clothing, perfumes, accessories, and cosmetics.
Geographical distribution of the last name Givenchy
The surname Givenchy has its origins in France and is primarily concentrated within that country. Historically, it is most commonly found in the northwestern region of Picardy, particularly in the department of Oise, which includes the city of Beauvais where the fashion house was established by Hubert de Givenchy. However, the name has spread beyond this region, with significant concentrations in other parts of France such as Paris and the Rhône-Alpes region. Beyond France, there are notable instances of the Givenchy surname in Belgium, a neighboring country with historical ties to France, as well as in North America, particularly the United States and Canada, due to French colonization and immigration. The distribution of the name Givenchy reflects these historical movements and cultural connections.
Variants and spellings of the last name Givenchy
The surname Givenchy is primarily associated with the eponymous fashion house founded by Hubert de Givenchy in France. Variations and alternate spellings of this last name may include:
* De Givenchy
* Givenchy-Ducret
* Ducrest-Givenchy
* Ducret-Givenchy
* Ducrest-De Givenchy
* Du Crest-Givenchy
* Duguesclin de Givenchy (a fictional character in Alexandre Dumas's "The Three Musketeers")
In a few cases, the name might be misspelled or misinterpreted as:
* Givency
* Givenchi
* Givenchey
These variations may arise due to differences in transliteration from French to English and other languages, spelling errors, or creative interpretations of the name.
Famous people with the last name Givenchy
The House of Givenchy has been synonymous with high fashion since its establishment in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy, a French designer born in Beauvais, France. Known for his elegant and refined designs, Givenchy dressed some of the world's most iconic women including Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1987, he sold his company to the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton group. Another notable figure with the surname Givenchy is Riccardo Tisci, an Italian designer who served as Creative Director of Givenchy from 2005 to 2017, introducing a more avant-garde and edgy aesthetic to the brand. Currently, Clare Waight Keller, a British designer who previously worked for Chloé, is at the helm of the house, continuing its legacy of elegance and innovation in the world of fashion.
Genealogical research on the last name Givenchy
The house of Givenchy is a renowned French fashion brand founded by designer Hubert de Givenchy in 1952. Its roots can be traced back to Beauvais, a city in northern France known for its lace production, where the family originated. The Givenchy lineage can be linked to Jean-Charles-Armand Givenchy, who was born in 1760 in Beauvais and served as a mayor of the city in the early 19th century. His son, Charles Maurice Givenchy, moved to Paris in the mid-1800s and worked as a lawyer before venturing into textile manufacturing, setting the foundation for the family's involvement in fashion. The brand that bears his grandson Hubert de Givenchy's name has since become an iconic symbol of high-end couture, with a rich history spanning over six decades and influencing global fashion trends.
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.
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