Deveraux

Origin & Etymology

Deveraux is an Anglicization of the French surname DÉvreux, meaning from Évreux, a city in Normandy. The name traces back to the Gallo-Roman name Eburovices, referring to the Celtic tribe who settled there. The dÉvreux/Devereux family was one of the great Norman noble houses, arriving in England with William the Conqueror in 1066. As a given name for girls, it carries aristocratic French Norman heritage.

Popularity Story

Deveraux as a given name is extremely rare and tends to be used by parents seeking a distinctive, aristocratic-sounding name. It has seen modest interest in the American South, where French surnames-as-first-names have a tradition.

Cultural Significance

The Devereux family was one of the most powerful noble families in England after the Norman Conquest. Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I before his dramatic downfall and execution in 1601.

Fun Facts

• The Devereux family arrived in England with William the Conqueror in 1066 and became one of the kingdoms most powerful noble houses
• Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was the last great favorite of Queen Elizabeth I

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