The surname Thivener has its roots in the Normandy region of northern France, tracing back to the 11th century. The name is believed to have originated from the Old French word "tivener," which referred to a maker or seller of woolen cloth called "tiretaine." This suggests that the earliest bearers of the name may have been involved in the textile trade, particularly the production or distribution of a type of coarse woolen fabric.

In the early medieval period, surnames were often derived from occupations, and the Thivener name likely followed this pattern. As the use of surnames became more widespread in Europe, the name would have been adopted by families engaged in the manufacture or sale of woolen goods, perhaps in the thriving textile centers of Normandy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and population in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry mentions a "Radulfus Tivener" in Lincolnshire, indicating that the name had already taken root in England by the late 11th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name underwent various spelling variations, including Tivener, Tyvener, and Thyvener, reflecting the fluid nature of surnames in that era. These variations likely stemmed from regional dialects and the inconsistencies in written records at the time.

One notable individual bearing the Thivener surname was Jean Thivener, a merchant and landowner who lived in the 14th century in the town of Caen, Normandy. Records from the time indicate that he possessed substantial wealth and property, suggesting that his family had achieved success in the textile trade.

Another prominent figure was William Thivener, born in 1482 in Somerset, England. He was a renowned scholar and theologian who served as the Chancellor of Wells Cathedral and later became the Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1542. His scholarly works on religious doctrine and church governance were widely circulated during the English Reformation.

In the 17th century, a man named Pierre Thivener gained fame as a skilled clockmaker in the city of Rouen, France. His intricate timepieces were highly sought after by wealthy patrons, and some of his works are still preserved in museum collections today.

The name also gained recognition in the literary world through the work of the 18th-century French writer and poet, Marie-Jeanne Thivener. Her collection of poetry, titled "Recueil de Poésies," earned her praise from critics and established her as a prominent figure in the Parisian literary circles of her time.

In the early 19th century, a British explorer named Robert Thivener embarked on several expeditions to the interior of Africa. His detailed accounts of his travels and encounters with indigenous communities provided valuable insights into the continent's geography, cultures, and natural resources.

While the surname Thivener is not among the most common today, its rich history and diverse bearers have left an indelible mark across various fields, from commerce and industry to religion, literature, and exploration.