Find out how popular the last name Givings is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Givings.

Givings, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Givings surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Givings in America

Givings is the 110825th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Givings surname appeared 159 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Givings.

We can also compare 2010 data for Givings to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Givings

The surname Givings is of English origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. It is believed to have emerged as an occupational surname, derived from the Old English words "gifan" and "ing," which collectively translate to "the son of the giver." This suggests that the name may have been attributed to individuals whose occupation involved giving or distributing goods or resources.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Givings surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, dated 1195, where a certain Roger Givings is mentioned. This historical document provides valuable insight into the early usage and spread of the surname within England during the 12th century.

The Givings name also appears in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1273, further solidifying its presence in various regions of England during the Middle Ages. These records often shed light on the socioeconomic status and occupations of individuals bearing the surname.

Notably, the Givings surname has been associated with several prominent figures throughout history. One such individual was Sir William Givings (1519-1586), a renowned English soldier and diplomat who served under Queen Elizabeth I. He played a crucial role in the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Nonsuch in 1585, which resolved conflicts between England and the Dutch Republic.

Another notable bearer of the Givings name was John Givings (1633-1699), a prominent merchant and landowner from Gloucestershire. He was instrumental in establishing trade routes and fostering economic growth in the region during the 17th century.

The Givings surname has also been linked to various place names and spellings over the centuries. For instance, the village of Givingston in Shropshire is believed to have derived its name from the Givings family, who likely held significant influence in the area during medieval times.

Other variations of the surname include Givens, Givings, and Gyvyngs, reflecting the fluid nature of spelling and pronunciation in earlier periods of English history. These variations highlight the evolving nature of surnames and the challenges faced by historians in tracing their origins accurately.

Throughout history, the Givings surname has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions, including clergymen, politicians, authors, and artists. A notable example is Emily Givings (1855-1926), an American author and poet who gained recognition for her works that explored themes of spirituality and nature.

In conclusion, the surname Givings has a rich and diverse history, rooted in the English medieval period. Its origins as an occupational surname, combined with its presence in historical records and its association with notable individuals, have contributed to its enduring legacy over the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Givings

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Givings.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Givings was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Givings has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Givings was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Givings, please contact us.

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