Surname Havens - Meaning and Origin

Understanding the Origins of the Surname Havens: A Personal Journey Through iGENEA DNA Testing

Embarking on a fascinating journey of self-discovery, I used the advanced DNA testing services of iGENEA to delve deeper into my family history under the surname Havens. The precision and reliability of the test not only provided insights into my ancestral lineage, but also enhanced my understanding and appreciation of my surname.

P. Havens

Havens: What does the surname Havens mean?

The surname Havens is of Dutch origin, derived from the Middle Dutch word "haven", meaning "harbor" or "port". It might have been an occupational name for someone working at a harbor, or a topographic name for someone who lived by a harbor. It is also found in England, possibly as an English adaptation of the Dutch name, or it could have derived from the Old English word, "heofon" meaning "heaven", used as a personal name in the Middle Ages. In this context, it may have been a nickname for a "heavenly" person. The name Havens is therefore suggestive of either a location or a personal characteristic. One must look into specific genealogical records to discern its precise meaning for a particular individual or family.

Havens: Where does the name Havens come from?

The surname Havens has its historical roots in the region of Netherlands and is derived from the Dutch word 'haven', which means 'harbor'. Initially, it was likely an occupational or locational surname, given to a person working at or living near a harbor. Alternatively, it could also come from an Old English personal name Hæfen. After the 17th century, as part of the Dutch migration, the Havens surname also established its presence in America.

Today, the surname is common in the United States, especially in the regions of Ohio, New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, which have the highest number of individuals with this surname.

Variations of the surname Havens

The surname Havens is predominantly found in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and surrounding regions. Possible variations of the surname Havens may include Haven, Heavens, Havenes, Havene, and Havenz. This name is often influenced by local dialect and can be typically identified by a similar meaning relating to the term 'haven', which is typically defined as a place of safety or refuge. It can also signify a critical point in migration or geography such as a harbor, port, or sanctuary.

There are also other versions of the name that could arise from different cultural backgrounds or variations in spelling. In Dutch, variations like Haveman, Haver, or Van Haven might be encountered, while in German, derivations might include Hafen or Hafner.

Additionally, the surname could be confused or interchanged with similarly spelled names like Havins, Havanas, or Havner. However, it should be noted that surnames can evolve significantly over generations due to a range of factors including regional accents, literacy levels, cultural integration, and migration patterns so tracing the precise origin or identifying all possible variants might be challenging.

Famous people with the name Havens

• Richie Havens: singer-songwriter and musician best known for his performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
• Phyllis Havens: dancer and choreographer who choreographed over fifty Broadway musicals, films, and live television shows.
• Edna Havens: American drama and theatre critic who wrote for the New York Herald Tribune from 1924-1946.
• Thomas Havens: editor, author, and poet who wrote such works as "The Workshop of the Poet," and ""Letters to a Friend”
• Tina Havens: actress and photographer who is best known for roles in films such as "Gook Luck Chuck" and "The Time Machine".
• Peter Havens: Marine Corps aviator and published author whose works include "Fighter Pilot," "His Name Was Stephen," and "The Melancholy Ace."
• William Havens Jr.: American architect, interior designer, and furniture manufacturer who designed the Beverly Hills Hotel and the First National Bank of Beverly Hills.
• Kent Havens: former American football defensive back who played for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
• P. Faulkner Havens: American artist who painted a mural for the US Department of the Interior.
• Tristan Havens: American painter known for his futuristic landscapes and dynamic skies.

Other surnames

HavenHavener