Surname Culver - Meaning and Origin

Discovering my Culver Heritage: An Emotional Journey with iGENEA DNA Test

Discovering my lineage through the iGENEA DNA test, I unearthed deep emotional connections and profound respect for my heritage and surname, Culver, understanding it as a legacy handed down through countless generations.

M. Culver

Culver: What does the surname Culver mean?

The surname Culver is of English origin and primarily found in Great Britain. The name has a quite interesting meaning, deriving from the Old English term "culfre," which refers to a dove. The dove is often seen as a symbol of peace, love and devotion, associated with the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography. As such, the last name Culver may have initially been used as a nickname for a peaceful or gentle individual, or possibly for someone who kept doves. There are several places in England named Culver, and it could also be a locational surname referring to someone who originated from one of these areas. Like many surnames, Culver would have started as a way to better identify specific individuals, given the widespread usage of common first names in historic times.

Culver: Where does the name Culver come from?

The surname Culver is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from an Old English pre-7th century word, "culfre" which means "dove." This indicates that the original bearer may have been known for a gentle personality or perhaps worked as a dove keeper. It may also have been used as a nickname for a person who kept doves or for someone who moved quietly and cautiously.

The name Culver first appeared in early English historical records in Suffolk. There have also been variations in the spelling over time, including Culver (used predominantly), Colver, Cullver, Culbert, and others.

Today, the surname is common in the United States, England, and Canada. According to Forebears, a genealogy site, the United States has the highest number of people with the last name Culver. The states of Michigan, California, and Texas carry the majority of these individuals. In England, the surname is mostly found in Essex and Oxfordshire. While less common in Canada, those bearing the Culver surname mainly reside in Ontario.

Variations of the surname Culver

The surname Culver is of English origin, largely deriving from Old English “culfre,” which stands for “dove.” This surname spread across various parts of the world, developing several variations and spellings over time due to regional differences, translations, and inadvertent errors. Some known variants and spellings of Culver include Culvers, Couvar, Couvare, Culvre, Culvere, Coulver, and Culvert.

Occasionally, it could also be used interchangeably with similar sounding but differently originated surnames like Calver, Colver, Claver and Kalver.

Furthermore, the surname Culver might have been Americanized from other foreign surnames that sound similar or have a similar meaning. In some cases, Jewish immigrants with surnames like "Gulper" or "Kulver" may have changed their names to Culver upon their arrival in the United States.

Finally, Culver could also be seen as a component of hyphenated or compounded surnames, such as Culver-Smith or Culverhouse, indicative of marital alliances or geographical identifiers.

Therefore, it is always key to consider the geographical location, historical period, and potential cultural adaptations when tracing the origin and variations of the surname Culver.

Famous people with the name Culver

• Harry Culver: he was a real estate developer who founded the city of Culver City, California, in 1917.
• Craig Culver: co-founder of "Culver's" a popular fast food restaurant chain mainly located in the Midwest.
• Margene Adkins: born as Margene Adkins Culver, Adkins is a former American Football wide receiver who played in the NFL.
• Everett Culver: a basketball player who played for the Syracuse Nationals.
• Robert D. Culver: a Massachusetts state senator.
• George W. Culver: an American jurist and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from New York.
• John C. Culver: served as a U.S. Representative, then a U.S. Senator for Iowa.
• Adrian Zmed: born as Adrian George Zmed Culver, Zmed is an American actor, singer and television personality, known for his roles in "Grease 2" and "T.J. Hooker".
• Chet Culver: serving as the Secretary of State and later as the Governor of Iowa, Chet is the son of John C. Culver.
• Billy Culver: an American silent film actor.
• Jarvis Culver: an American Football player who played for the Atlanta Hawks.

Other surnames

Culverhouse