Drover

The surname DROVER originated in England and dates back to the 12th century. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "drover," which referred to a person who drove cattle or other livestock from one place to another. The name likely arose as a way to identify those whose profession involved herding and moving animals.

The earliest known record of the surname DROVER dates back to the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire, where a William le Drover was mentioned in 1273. The use of the prefix "le" before the occupation was common in early English surnames, signifying "the" in French.

In the 14th century, the surname DROVER appeared in various forms, including Drovere, Drovar, and Drouver, reflecting the regional dialects and spelling variations of the time. One notable example is John Drover, who was recorded in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire in 1317.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the DROVER surname began to spread across different regions of England, as drovers played an important role in the transportation of livestock to markets and fairs. Some notable individuals from this period include William Drover, a farmer from Warwickshire mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of 1524, and Thomas Drover, a yeoman from Gloucestershire who was recorded in the Hearth Tax Returns of 1670.

In the 18th century, the DROVER surname became more established, and several individuals with this name achieved prominence. One example is John Drover (1725-1805), a wealthy landowner and farmer from Oxfordshire, who left a substantial legacy to support local schools and charities.

Another notable figure was Richard Drover (1760-1837), a British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and was commended for his bravery in various battles. Additionally, the 19th century saw the rise of William Drover (1810-1892), a successful businessman and philanthropist from London, who founded several charitable institutions and was knighted for his contributions to society.

As the DROVER surname spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, variations in spelling emerged, such as Drovers, Drover's, and Drovier. Some of these variations reflected regional dialects or were adopted by families to distinguish themselves from others with the same surname.