Surname Severance - Meaning and Origin

Severance: What does the surname Severance mean?

Severance is a surname of English origin, and derived from the Old French "severance," or "severance" which relates to the concept of division. It refers to someone who was given a portion of property or goods, or a person who was in charge of doing the dividing.

The division could have been an inheritance or simply the result of a contract between two parties. Over time, this became associated with the concept of “severing” or ending, which may have been the origin of the name.

People with this name are thought to be strong-willed and independent, often displaying a cantankerous and practical nature. They can be unemotional, although when combined with a passionate nature, can be quite effective in achieving desired goals. In addition, they possess good intuition, intelligence, and a strong sense of loyalty.

The name itself is a reminder of the importance of thoughtful action and strong intent when it comes to managing affairs. It is also a reminder to remain self-reliant and honest in all dealings. Severance families often practice a code of honesty and integrity, which is often passed down from generation to generation.

Severance: Where does the name Severance come from?

Severance is an English surname. It is mainly found in the United States and Canada. It is especially concentrated in the region encompassing the Northeastern states, including New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. It is also widely spread across the Midwest, with concentrations in the states of Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana.

The surname Severance likely has French origins, as it first emerged in the French department of Manche during the Middle Ages. Spelling variations of the name included Severance, Severaux, seprent, severin, and Sévarenc.

Severance is one of the most common surnames that derived from the Normans. If you have this surname, you potentially established one of the oldest family lineages. Today the surname ranks 4195th in the United States and 5756th in Canada for frequency of use. The Severance surname is widely popular in the United States, with an estimated 5,918 carriers of the name recorded in the 2000 Census.

In addition to those of French ancestry, there are also some Spanish immigrants with the Severance surname. The earliest recorded Severance in America was Jasper Severance, an early settler from France who arrived in America in 1631. He is attributed as one of the first settlers in Salem, Massachusetts.

Variations of the surname Severance

The surname Severance can be spelled in a variety of ways, including Severans, Sévenance, and Severance.

Variations in spelling of the surname Severance or origins of the name can be attributed to a lack of literacy, local dialects, and the influence of other languages on English.

Variations of the name Severance includes Severence, Severn, Severns, Severance, Severens, Sevens, Severns, Severance, Sévenance, Sevrens, Severences, Severensce, Sevence, Sevensce, and Sevrence.

There are also several variants and spellings used across Europe by people of the same origin, such as Seveds, Savigno (Italy), Savernier (Belgium), Severn, Saverns (Holland), and Severien (France).

In Scotland, variants of the name Severance include Severns, Severnshire, Severins, Severance, Severnesse, Severir, and Severnsce.

Surnames that have evolved from the Severance surname include Sevayance, Seveyprance, Saverance, Servans, Sevans, Saverns, Sansonace, Sevegance, Savernage, Severinage, Servance, Saverny, Servais, Sevyance, and Severns.

Famous people with the name Severance

• Richard Severance: American writer, editor, and soldier who conducted covert operations in both World Wars.
• Charley Severance: American soccer player and coach.
• Evan Severance: American entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist.
• Glenn Severance: American figure skater and coach.
• Larry Severance: American actor best known for his roles in films such as A Touch of Class and Night at the Museum.
• Barbara Severance: American suffragist, clubwoman, and philanthropist.
• Bob Severance: American television and stage actor, best known for his roles in Star Trek and the X-Files.
• Alex Severance: American horse trainer.
• Dennis Severance: American singer and songwriter.
• David Severance: American minister and leader in the Presbyterian Church.

Other surnames

severans