De Havilland

Origin of Surname

The De Havilland family is said to derive its name from the fief of Haverland near Valognes, Normandy. The name can be found in Guernsey from the 13th Century, and Radulph de Haverland was Bailiff of Guernsey in 1301. A number of Jurats with the surname De Havilland are recorded, including Thomas De Havilland in 1472.

Peter De Havilland served the island as Bailiff between 1810-1821. He was responsible, among other things, for the development of the New Town in St Peter Port. Among his descendents are the founder of the De Havilland Aviation company, and the actresses Olivia De Havilland and Joan Fontaine.

Variants

• De Haverland

Related Places

• Havilland Hall, St Andrews
• Croutes Havilland, St Martins
• Havilland Street, New Town, St Peter Port

Notable Islanders

• Radulph De Haverland, Bailiff of Guernsey 1301
• Peter De Havilland (1747-1821), Bailiff of Guernsey 1810-1821
• Lieut-Colonel T L De Havilland, Commanding Officer Royal Guernsey Light Infantry

Notable Descendents

• Sir Geoffrey De Havilland (1882-1965), founder of the De Havilland Aviation Company
• Olivia De Havilland (1916- ), actress
• Joan De Beauvoir De Havilland (1917- ), birth name of Joan Fontaine, actress