Surname Levinge - Meaning and Origin

Levinge: What does the surname Levinge mean?

The surname Levinge is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from an Old English given name, Leofing, which means "beloved or dear friend.” This name consists of two elements: "leof" which means "dear/beloved" and "-ing" typically representing "son of" or "descendant of." Thus, it can be interpreted as "son of Leof" or "descendant of the beloved one." This name was commonly used among medieval English families, and it later became a family surname used to identify individuals from a common ancestor. Variations of the name include Levings, Living, Livinge, and Lieving, among others. It is a relatively rare family name most prevalent in the United States but also exists in England, Australia, and Canada. Historical records suggest that the name might have been given to someone who was dear or beloved in their community, or it could simply refer to a family lineage. Over time, spellings of surnames have changed due to illiteracy and the evolution of languages, leading to distinct variations of the same original surname.

Levinge: Where does the name Levinge come from?

The last name Levinge has its origins in England. It is derived from "Leving", a personal name in Old English, which was a common name of Norse Vikings during the Middle Ages. The name translates to "dear friend" or "beloved".

The family that carries this surname was famously associated with Warwickshire, a county in the West Midlands of England. Levinges became a widely recognized name due to notable figures hailing from this family throughout history.

Despite its English roots, the surname is not widespread in modern England. It is currently most prevalent in Ireland, following the settlement of Sir Richard Levinge, an English judge and politician, during the 17th century. The Levinge surname has been associated with his descendants in Ireland ever since. It is also found, although less commonly, in Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Levinge

The surname Levinge has several variations, spellings, and surnames of similar origin due to its historical development and changes in language over time. Some of the most common variants include Levings, Leving, and Levins, which are particularly common in regions where the surname originated, such as England and Ireland.

Some other associated names and spellings include Levin, Levine, Levinson, and Levinson. These names, while not identical, share similar linguistic roots and may be connected to 'Levinge' through historical variants and family lines.

Spellings such as Leavins, Leavens, Levien, and Levigne could also be related, reflecting different anglicised interpretations of the original name.

It is also important to consider that the surname could carry different spellings due to translation into different languages. For example, in regions with different alphabets or phonetic systems, such as in Eastern Europe, it could be spelled differently.

However, it's essential to note that surnames can change significantly over time and between regions, and these variants don't necessarily indicate a direct relation since some might have developed independently but look similar due to coincidences in linguistic evolution.

Famous people with the name Levinge

• William Levinge: an early 17th-century English courtier and dramatist who worked for Queen Anne during the reign of James I.
• Owen Levinge: a member of the Royal Navy, he served as the private secretary in the court of Queen Victoria and was knighted in 1875.
• Peter Levinge: an Irish diplomat and jurist, he served as Attorney General of Ireland in the 1908s.
• Robert Levinge: an Irish politician in the 1800s, he was a member of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.
• Mary Levinge: an English writer, she was the author of the novel "Land of the Living".
• Eliza Levinge: an English doctor and the first female member of the British Medical Association.
• Raquel Levinge: she was an English actress and a regular at the Royal Opera House in London in the early 1900s.
• John Levinge: an English musician, he was a member of the Royal Society of Musicians in the 1800s.
• Joseph Levinge: an Irish barrister and politician, he served in the Irish Parliament in the late 18th century.
• Pamela Levinge: an English singer, actress, and television presenter in the 1970s and 1980s.

Other surnames

LevinLevin-EpsteinLevinaLevinasLevineLevingstonLevingtonLevinsLevinsonLevintonLevinzon