Normandy
'Carvel' is a Norman word and relates to the wooden planking on ships. The small village of Carville is in the old Duchy of Normandy - (see connected entry for Northumberland above). In correspondence with one branch of the family I am advised that their father knew/or corresponded with C M Matthews (Author of ‘English Surnames’, published in 1967) and that this eminent author considered our surname would have originated from that village.
Flemish/Dutch
'Kervil' is an old Dutch word for the Chervil herb and, although rare, has been used as a surname.
Brittany
'Ker' is a Breton word meaning a farm or small village. The surname Kervella is to be found in the Finistere area and I am in touch with several Breton family genealogists who have a Francis Kervella in their Trees, although to date no connection has been found. There are a few families with the name Kervil. I am in correspondence with a Michel Kervil of Vitre who is researching his name. The oldest relative he has found, marries at the village of Plumelec in 1722.
Interestingly, I have written to a Breton pen friend for the past 40+ years. I stayed with his family in Rennes when I was a teenager and on one occasion in June 1965 we visited his relatives at their farm, which was named "Kervilor".
'Carvel' is a Norman word and relates to the wooden planking on ships. The small village of Carville is in the old Duchy of Normandy -
Flemish/Dutch
'Kervil' is an old Dutch word for the Chervil herb and, although rare, has been used as a surname.
Brittany
'Ker' is a Breton word meaning a farm or small village. The surname Kervella is to be found in the Finistere area and I am in touch with several Breton family genealogists who have a Francis Kervella in their Trees, although to date no connection has been found. There are a few families with the name Kervil. I am in correspondence with a Michel Kervil of Vitre who is researching his name. The oldest relative he has found, marries at the village of Plumelec in 1722.
Interestingly, I have written to a Breton pen friend for the past 40+ years. I stayed with his family in Rennes when I was a teenager and on one occasion in June 1965 we visited his relatives at their farm, which was named "Kervilor".
No prizes for guessing which of us two was the "cool" young Breton!
Sea trading
A common story amongst the family is that of a distant great grandfather ( usually said to be one of either two or three brothers) running a trading boat between Brittany/Normandy and the Sussex Ports from the french side before settling in this country. Perhaps one of the hardest theories ever to prove but, strangely, the sort of story that is handed down from generation to generation - and just might be true!!
A common story amongst the family is that of a distant great grandfather ( usually said to be one of either two or three brothers) running a trading boat between Brittany/Normandy and the Sussex Ports from the french side before settling in this country. Perhaps one of the hardest theories ever to prove but, strangely, the sort of story that is handed down from generation to generation -