Gyves History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Gyves

The Gyves family name is linked to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from the baptismal name for the son of Geoffrey. "The Yorkshire Poll Tax contains endless references to Jeff, or Geff, or Gep; v. Gipp and Jeffs and Jephson. No wonder therefore that corrupted forms have come down to us; v. Geeves, where the Yorkshire instances will be found clearly explained." 1

However, another source claims the name was originally Norman as the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Peter de Cheef (Jeffs), Normandy, 1180-95. 2

Early Origins of the Gyves family

Early History of the Gyves family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gyves research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1279, 1349, 1369 and 1578 are included under the topic Early Gyves History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gyves Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Gyves include Jeeves, Jeeve, Jeves, Jeve, Geeves, Geeve, Geve and many more.

Early Notables of the Gyves family

More information is included under the topic Early Gyves Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gyves family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Gyves were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Jeeves, who sailed to Virginia in 1654.