Surname Calvert - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Legacy of the Calvert Surname Through iGENEA DNA Analysis: A Journey Through Time and Genetics

My interaction with iGENEA for a DNA analysis brought me face-to-face with the profound intricacies of my lineage. This awakening has not just brought me in touch with my roots, but also painted a vibrant picture of the journey of my family name, Calvert.

E. Calvert

Calvert: What does the surname Calvert mean?

The surname Calvert originates from England and has Old Norse roots. Combined from the words "kaldr" and "vottr," putting together, it means "cold stream" or "cold brook." The name is topographical, denoting someone who lived near a cold stream. The name first surfaced in Lancashire, a county in the north west of England. It was brought to the United States by George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, who was instrumental in the colonization of Maryland. The Calvert family played a significant role in the early history of the United States. Over time, the surname has morphed and changed and can be found in various forms such as Calvard, Calverd, Calwert, and others. Thus, the last name Calvert is imbued with historical and geographical significance.

Calvert: Where does the name Calvert come from?

The surname Calvert is of English origin, specifically from Northern England. It is derived from the Old English term "calf-heard", denoting a herdsman or tender of calves. One of the notable historical figures carrying this name was George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, who was crucial for the colonization of Newfoundland and Maryland, United States. His descendants became proprietors of the two colonies under the names, 'Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore' and 'Charles Calvert, the third Lord Baltimore'.

Today the Calvert surname is common in places where English influence is prevalent. It is prevalent in the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. However, the name is most densely populated in Northern England and Maryland, USA, due to the historical significance. The ancestral house of the Calvert family in the USA, known as "Mount Calvert", is still intact in Maryland. Despite being widely spread, Calvert is not considered a common surname. As per the 2000 census of the U.S., it ranked 2742 out of 88,799 for most common surnames.

Variations of the surname Calvert

The surname Calvert has origins in English and Scottish heritage. It is primarily derived from the Old French words "chauve souris", meaning "bat". In earlier times, this term may have been a nickname for someone who worked irregular hours or had a peculiar walk.

Different variations of spellings for the surname Calvert include Calbert, Calbird, Calburd, and Cawbreath. Although less common, alternate spellings can also include Colvert, Colbird, and Culbert.

Calver, Culver, Colver could also be considered derivations of Calvert. Calvet is a variation primarily found in French-speaking regions.

Another significant variant surname of the same origin is Cowbrough. This variant is primarily noticed in Scotland, where the surname Calvert was often altered due to the local Scottish dialect.

It's important to note that regional accents and varying literacy levels led to many variations in surname spellings across centuries. Therefore, it's not unlikely to find further variations of the surname Calvert in historical records.

Famous people with the name Calvert

• Cecil Calvert, also known as Cecil Baltimore, 2nd Baron Baltimore, was an English lawyer, nobleman, and colonizer who was instrumental in establishing the Maryland colony.
• Leonard Calvert was the first Governor of Maryland and the younger brother of Cecil Calvert.
• Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore, was an English statesman and the second proprietor of Maryland colony.
• Charles Calvert, also known as Charles Calvert of Maryland, was an English politician and colonizer who served as the proprietary governor of Maryland.
• Corinne Calvet was a famous French actress who mainly appeared in American films.
• Laura Calvert was an American actress who appeared in films during the 1920s and 1930s.
• Liz Calvert is a British actress known for her stage roles in musical theater.
• Mary Calvert was a noted English actress of the 1920s.
• Michael Calvert was a British army officer known for his role in the Chindits, the British-Indian special force during World War II.
• Tullie Cornthwaite Calvert was a U.S. Representative from Texas.
• Patty Calvert was a Canadian singer and actress.
• Ross Calvert, also known as Ross Calvert of England, was a British professional golfer.
• John Calvert, a film actor and magician who appeared in a number of B-Movies in the 1940s.
• Eddie Calvert, an English trumpeter who enjoyed popularity in the 1950s with his crossover music.
• Bryce Calvert, an Australian professional golfer.
• Heath Calvert, an American actor known for his work on Broadway.
• Jack Calvert, an English professional footballer.
• Jason Calvert, a British television reporter currently working for ITV News.

Other surnames

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