Last Name Nevil

The surname Nevil (or Neville) is of Old English origin and is derived from a place name referring to "new town" or "newe yle." Specifically, it originated from various locations in England named Nevill, such as Nevilles County Durham or Nevill-la-Aston in Lincolnshire. The surname became popular during the Middle Ages and was borne by several prominent families in England, including the powerful Neville family who played significant roles in English history, particularly during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nevil

The meaning and origin of the last name Nevil

The surname Nevil is of Old English origin, derived from various places named Neville in Northumberland and Yorkshire, England. These locations were named after the Old English words "nīf" (meaning "eagle") and "hēah-hlāw" or "hlēow" (meaning "high hill" or "promontory"). The surname Nevil was first recorded during the reign of King Edward I of England in the 13th century. Notable bearers of this name include Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, a prominent figure in the Wars of the Roses, and John Neville, 4th Baron Latimer, who played a key role in the Battle of Bosworth Field that led to the Tudor dynasty's rise to power. The Nevil family was one of the most powerful and influential in medieval England, with many branches spreading across Europe and the British Isles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nevil

The surname Nevil is predominantly found in England, with significant concentrations in its historical county Yorkshire, particularly in cities such as Leeds and York. It's also common in the counties of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Staffordshire. Outside of England, Nevil is present in Ireland, particularly in County Cork, where it may be a result of Anglo-Norman settlements during medieval times. The name has also been found in Scotland, Wales, and the United States, largely as a result of migration from England. In the United States, Nevils are most commonly found in states like California, Texas, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nevil

The surname Nevil has several variants and spellings, often due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Neville, Nevylle, Nevell, Nevele, Nevil(e), Nevill, Nevile, Nevele, and Navell. These variations can be found across different regions, with Neville being the most common spelling in England, and Nevil being more prevalent in other parts of the world. The name originates from the Old English "nef" meaning "raven" and "hyll" meaning "hill," thus implying "raven's hill." It was a popular name among the Norman nobility after the Conquest, with prominent families bearing the name such as the Nevilles of Middleham and Raby.

Famous people with the last name Nevil

Notable individuals bearing the surname Nevil include:

1. Sir Nevil Vincent (1865-1942), British civil engineer and geologist, who was instrumental in developing the Assam railway system in India.

2. Sir Nevil Shute Norway (1899-1960), a British novelist and aerospace engineer, best known for his novels "Pied Piper" and "On the Beach."

3. Nevil Mackenzie (1914-1976), an English footballer who played as a forward for several English clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea, and managed the England national team.

4. Nevil Sydney Shute (1890-1950), better known by his pen name Nevil Shute, was a British naval officer and author, famous for his novel "A Town Like Alice."

5. Nevil Coghill (1905-1980), an English Anglican priest, academic, and literary scholar, who was the first editor of the J.R.R. Tolkien's epic poem "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil."

6. Nevil Marcus (born 1934), a British entrepreneur and retailer, who co-founded Marks & Spencer, one of the UK's largest retailers.

Genealogical research on the last name Nevil

The Nevil surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to be derived from the Old English word "nefela," meaning "mist" or "cloud." It emerged as a family name during the Middle Ages, particularly in England's north. The Nevils were one of the most influential Norman families, with their power base in Raby Castle in County Durham. They played significant roles in the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as "The Kingmaker," was a prominent member of the family. The Nevils later became Earls of Westmorland and Dukes of Montagu. Today, the Nevil lineage is dispersed globally, with notable descendants including Sir Henry Nevil Macmillan, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nevil"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends