Everard is an English masculine given name, the Anglicized form of the ancient Germanic name Eberhard. The name was introduced to England by the Normans in the form Everardus, a Latinization that merged with an indigenous Old English cognate, Eoforheard, meaning "boar-hardy". Despite this early foothold, the given name declined after the Middle Ages and is now rare, though its use has seen occasional revivals inspired by the surname Everard, itself a patronymic derived from the medieval name. Etymology and History The root of Everard is Eberhard, an Old German name meaning "brave boar", composed of the elements ebur ("wild boar") and hart ("hard, firm, brave, hardy"). The boar was a symbol of strength and ferocity in Germanic culture, and the name was borne by an influential ninth-century Duke of Friuli as well as a twelfth-century German saint, an archbishop of Salzburg. Among the continent's nobility, Everardus appeared in Latin records; this Latinized form was what crossed the English Channel with the Normans after 1066. Notable Bearers Historical figures with the first name Everard include Everard 't Serclaes (c. 1320–1388), a Brabantine patriot, and Everard of Calne (fl. 1121–1145), Bishop of Norwich. In the British Empire, Everard Aloysius Lisle Phillipps (1835–1857) was a young East India officer who received the Victoria Cross. The name has also been carried by numerous individuals as a surname, such as the South Australian pioneer Charles George Everard (1794–1876) and the Irish cross-country runner Fiona Everard (born 1998). Cultural Significance and Usage Though Out of fashion for centuries as a given name, Everard has maintained visibility through the surname, which has produced variants such as Evered and the more common Everett. Modern parents searching for antique or noble names today sometimes choose Everard as a distinctive alternative to the dated Everett. In the realm of fiction and popular culture, the name continues to evoke medieval bravado, recalling its origin from the hardy boar. Meaning: Brave boar (from Germanic elements ebur "boar" + hart "hardy") Origin: Germanic, introduced to England by Normans and merged with Old English cognate Type: Given name (male), also used as a surname Usage regions: English-speaking world; rare in modern times Related forms: Eberhard, Eoforheard, Evert (Swedish), Évrard (French), Everett (surname set)