This very rare name is a development from the Olde English and specifically Cornish-West Country personal name 'Cuvel'. In the modern idiom it is usually found as Kivell, Kevell or Kivelle but Kirvell also occurs occasionally. The meaning of the name is obscure but may be a development of 'Culfre', a word of endearment which translates as 'the dove'. The name development includes: Keval (1687), Kevall (1692) and Kevill (1706). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alexander Kirvell. which was dated 1694 Married Sarah Evans at St. James Church, Duke Place, London. during the reign of King William III of Orange and England 1689-1703. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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