Hervey

Hervey is both an English given name and a surname, derived from Hervé, the French form of Harvey. Harvey itself originates from the Breton name Haerviu, meaning "battle worthy," from haer "battle" and viu "worthy." While Harvey became rare after the Middle Ages and was revived in the 19th century, Hervey has remained in continuous but lesser use as both a surname and a given name.

Etymology and History

Hervey shares the same Celtic roots as Harvey, though it arrived in England via the French-speaking Norman nobility after the Conquest. The name Hervé was borne by a 6th-century Breton hermit, Saint Hervé, who is venerated as the patron saint of the blind. The spelling Hervey instead of Harvey became established in some English families, particularly those of aristocratic or clerical standing.

Notable Bearers

The name has been carried by numerous prominent individuals, mostly as a surname. Surname bearers include:

• Lord Alfred Hervey (1816–1875), English politician
• Augustus Hervey, 3rd Earl of Bristol (1724–1779), English admiral
• Lord Augustus Hervey (1837–1875), English politician
• Edward Hervey (born 1973), Canadian football player
• Frederick Hervey, several people including Frederick Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol
• Irene Hervey (1909–1998), American actress
• James Hervey (1714–1758), English clergyman and writer
• John Hervey, several people including Baron Hervey of Ickworth
• Thomas Hervey (1699–1775), English pamphleteer
• Tom Hervey (born 1965), English footballer
• William Hervey (1680–1734), English diplomat

As a given name, Hervey has been less common but notably used: Hervey Allen (1889–1949), American writer, and Hervey Dobelman (1900–1994), American artist. The prominent family of the Herveys of Ickworth held the Marquessate of Bristol, with many members bearing "Lord Hervey" as a courtesy title.

• Meaning: Bitter; battle worthy (derived from Harvey ultimate from Haerviu)
• Origin: Celtic/Breton, via French Hervé
• Type: Given name and surname
• Usage regions: English, also French (Hervé)
• Related forms: Harvey, Harvie, Herve, Hervé