Divall Surname

The History of the Surname Divall

The surname Divall is of English origin and has a long and rich history. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the Old English word "dēofol" meaning devil and "halh" meaning a remote valley or nook, indicating that the original bearer of the name may have hailed from a place known as "Devil's Hollow" or a similar location. The first recorded instance of the surname Divall dates back to the 13th century in the county of Yorkshire, England.

Early Origins of the Divall Surname

In the early centuries, surnames were not hereditary; they were derived from a person's occupation, locality, nickname, or father's name. The surname Divall likely originated as a nickname for someone who was thought to possess devil-like qualities or as a reference to a particular topographical feature in the landscape. Over time, as surnames became hereditary, the name Divall was passed down through generations.

Spread of the Divall Surname

The surname Divall has spread beyond its English origins to other English-speaking countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada. In Australia, the incidence of the Divall surname is recorded at 159, making it a relatively common surname in the country. In the United States, there are 124 occurrences of the surname, while in Canada, there are 37 instances. The surname can also be found in Wales, South Africa, Sweden, New Zealand, Scotland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand, Spain, France, Guernsey, Isle of Man, India, and Sri Lanka, albeit in smaller numbers.

Notable Bearers of the Divall Surname

Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Divall have made significant contributions in various fields. One such notable bearer is John Divall, a renowned mathematician who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of cryptography. Another prominent figure is Jane Divall, a respected author and historian known for her works on medieval literature.

Variants of the Divall Surname

Like many surnames, the name Divall has evolved over time, leading to the emergence of variants such as Deval, Devall, Diwall, and Divell. These variants may have originated from regional dialects or phonetic differences in pronunciation. Despite these variations, all these surnames share a common origin and heritage.

Modern-Day Distribution of the Divall Surname

In the modern era, the Divall surname continues to be prevalent in English-speaking countries, with individuals bearing the name residing in various parts of the world. The surname has also gained popularity in online genealogy forums and DNA testing platforms, where individuals seek to trace their family history and ancestral roots.

Conclusion

The surname Divall carries a legacy of resilience and adaptability, as evidenced by its spread across different countries and its enduring presence in contemporary society. Through the study of the surname's origins, variants, notable bearers, and distribution, we gain insight into the rich tapestry of human history and the interconnectedness of global cultures.

The surname Divall in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens in the case of Divall, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in most of the countries associated with globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people with all the surname Divall is greater than in other countries.

The map of this Divall surname

1. England (688)
2. Australia (159)
3. United States (124)
4. Canada (37)
5. Wales (19)
6. South Africa (17)
7. Sweden (11)
8. New Zealand (8)
9. Scotland (6)
10. Netherlands (5)
11. Switzerland (2)
12. Thailand (2)
13. Spain (1)
14. France (1)
15. Guernsey (1)
16. Isle of Man (1)
17. India (1)
18. Sri Lanka (1)