What Is the Origin of the Name Davenport?

The surname Davenport originated in Northwest England approximately 900 years ago.

According to the Davenport Surname DNA Project, the Davenport name first appeared in England during the latter part of the 11th century. Today, descendants of the original Davenport family can be found throughout North America, Australia and other areas.

Beginnings

The Davenport name originates with Orme De Dauneporte, who was born in 1086 A.D., shortly after the Norman conquest of England. The surname, which underwent several variations in spelling, is associated with a township now known as Davenport, of Astbury Parish, Cheshire, England.

Linguistic Origins

The Davenport name is rooted in the township's location on the river Dane. In ancient times, the river's designation was spelled Dauen or Daan, a derivative of the Middle Welsh dafn, which means a trickling stream. Port hearkens back to the Old English word for harbor or wharf.

Family History

Early descendants of Orme De Dauneporte took on the hereditary role of Magistrate Sergeants of the Forest of Macclesfield, where they exercised legal authority. The Rev. John Davenport, born in Coventry, England in 1597, left his country and arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1637. Eventually, he became one of the founders of New Haven, Connecticut and Yale University.

References

• Davenport Surname DNA Project
• The Internet Surname Database: Davenport
• Family Tree Maker.com: Decendents of Orme de Davenpoet

Resources

• A Vision of Britain Through Time: Davenport, Cheshire
• Rootsweb: Descendants of Orme Davenport