Ivor is an English masculine given name derived either directly from the Norse Ívarr, or from Welsh (which spells it Ifor), Irish (sometimes Ibar), or Scottish, all of which likely derive it also from the original Norse form.[1] The Norse name is derived from the Old Norse elements ýr (yew, bow) and herr (warrior, army): hence, 'archer, bow warrior'.[2] It is possible the old Norse name Ívarr comes from the Celtic root and may be related to the Celtic root of -iv which is found in St. Ives for example, itself possibly referring to yew. This could indicate an earlier shared language origin; potentially through Indo-European, previous contact or another source.

Some of the earliest known bearers of the name are Ibar of Beggerin, an Irish saint who may have preceded or been contemporary with St. Patrick and probably died in the 500s; Ivar the Boneless, an 800s Viking who was possibly identical to the Ímair attested in Irish and Scottish annals; and Ifor Bach, a Welsh leader of the 1100s.

People

Religious

Íbar of Killibar Beg, an early Irish saint. Unknown if related to Ibar of Beggerin.

Academics

Arts and entertainment

Nobility

Politicians and diplomats

Sportsmen

  • Ivor Allchurch (1929–1997), Wales international footballer
  • Ivan Ivor Broadis (1922–2019), England international footballer
  • Ivor Bueb (1923–1959), British Formula One driver
  • Ivor Jones (1901–1982), Welsh rugby union player
  • Ivor McIvor (1917–1997), Australian rules footballer and captain-coach.

Fictional characters

References

  1. The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Names (1947) by E. G. Withycombe
  2. Ivar; in: Eivind Vågslid, Norderlendske fyrenamn, 1988, ISBN 82-991668-0-2
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