Last Name Glanville

The surname Glanville is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It comes from the Old French "glan" (meaning "gravel") and "villa" (meaning "settlement"). The name was originally given to someone who lived in or came from a settlement located near a gravelly area. The first recorded spelling of the surname Glanville appears to be in the Domesday Book of 1086, in England, where it is listed as de Glanvilla.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Glanville

The meaning and origin of the last name Glanville

The surname Glanville is of English origin and derives from the Old French term "glan(d)", meaning "gravel" or "shingle", and the Old Norman suffix "-ville", indicating a place. It is believed that the name originally referred to someone who lived at or near a gravelly or shingly place, hence its etymology. The name's earliest recorded appearance in England dates back to the 12th century in the form of "de Glanfield". Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Glanville have included Richard Glanville, who served as a Member of Parliament for Dorset in the 14th century; and Sir John Glanville, a prominent lawyer and politician from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Glanville Fritillary butterfly, also known as the Heath Fritillary, was named after Thomas Glanville, an English entomologist who conducted extensive studies on butterflies during the 19th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Glanville

The surname Glanville is primarily concentrated in the English-speaking world, particularly in England and Wales. It originated from the Anglo-Saxon word "Glanafel," which means "open country" or "meadow by the river." A significant number of Glanvilles can be found in Devon and Cornwall, two counties in Southwest England. Beyond Britain, descendants of the Glanville family can also be found in various English-speaking countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as a result of immigration over the centuries. The name is less common but present in other regions such as France, Belgium, and Ireland, though its frequency outside England is significantly lower.

Variants and spellings of the last name Glanville

The surname Glanville exhibits various spelling and pronunciation variations. The most common forms include Glanville, Glanfield, Glanfell, Glannfield, and Glannel. These differences primarily stem from the phonetic interpretation and regional dialects of the original Old French "de Claingwille" or "de Clanvill." The suffix "-ville" typically means "town," while "clai(n)" may derive from a personal name "Claigo," a Breton form of "Alan" or "Chloeulh, a Cornish form of "Lewis." Over time and through migration, the spelling of the name has evolved due to transcription errors, regional accents, and assimilation. However, all these variations share a common ancestral origin, tracing back to Norman England during the medieval period.

Famous people with the last name Glanville

Notable individuals with the surname Glanville include:

1. Jo Glanville (born 1964), British journalist and human rights activist who served as Director of English PEN from 2003 to 2017.

2. Mark Glanville (born 1958), a British architect who was the chief advisor on urban design and architecture for the London Development Agency under Mayor Ken Livingstone between 2000 and 2004.

3. Sarah Glanville (born 1972), an English actress best known for her roles in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, Casualty, and Holby City.

4. Richard Glanville (1946-2018), a British botanist and ornithologist who was the Curator of Birds at the Natural History Museum in London from 1973 to 1996.

5. Toby Glanville (born 1964), an English musician, producer, composer, and engineer known for his work with acts such as Massive Attack, Björk, and Portishead.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning journalism, architecture, acting, ornithology, and music production.

Genealogical research on the last name Glanville

The surname Glanville originated in the Anglo-Saxon regions of England, specifically Devon and Cornwall. It is believed to be derived from the Old English terms 'glan' meaning 'smooth' or 'bare' and 'feld' meaning 'open country.' Early bearers of this name can be traced back to the 13th century with records showing Ralph de Glanville, a knight in the service of Richard I (the Lionheart). The family became prominent during the Middle Ages as landowners and held significant political power in Southwest England. Over time, branches of the Glanville family migrated to other parts of England and later to Ireland, France, the Caribbean, and America. Notable descendants include Sir John Glanville, a 17th-century Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Elizabeth Glanville, an early English settler in Virginia. Today, the Glanville surname is found worldwide with concentrations in England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Glanville"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends