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Travers Family Genealogy, Tree & Historical Records

Discover the Global Legacy and Lineage of the Travers Surname

The Travers surname has its roots in England and Ireland, deriving from the Old French term "travers," meaning to cross. Historically, it was likely a topographical name for someone living near a bridge or ford. By the medieval period, Travers had become a recognized surname, establishing itself prominently in both English and Irish genealogical records.

As the Travers family tree evolved, the surname spread through various regions, reflecting a diverse cultural tapestry. Notable individuals bearing the Travers name have made significant contributions across fields such as sports, literature, and entertainment. These include Allan Travers, an early 20th-century baseball pitcher, and P. L. Travers, the Australian author best known for creating Mary Poppins. The name's presence in both England and Ireland facilitated its geographic and cultural expansion over the centuries.

YourRoots data reveals that Travers genealogy has deep roots in both England and Ireland, aligning with historical narratives. This evidence shows the surname's persistence in these regions since the medieval period. Although the YourRoots dataset does not provide additional unique insights, it supports the established understanding of the Travers surname's significance and distribution.

For anyone researching Travers family history, the convergence of historical records and YourRoots data offers a solid foundation. The Travers genealogy is enriched by well-documented records, offering a fascinating journey into the past for those interested in exploring their Travers family tree.

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Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Travers surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Travers (and Their Family Tree)

Mary Travers

Mary Travers

Mary Allin Travers, born November 9, 1936, was a renowned American singer and a key member of the influential 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. Her contralto voice was a defining element of the group's success, propelling hits like "Leaving on a Jet Plane" to the top of the charts. Travers also released five solo albums and was known for her political activism. She and her group were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, solidifying her legacy in the music world.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Mary Travers was the daughter of journalists Robert Travers and Virginia Coigney. The family moved to New York City's Greenwich Village, where Mary was exposed to the vibrant folk music scene that shaped her future career.

P. L. Travers

P. L. Travers

P. L. Travers, born Helen Lyndon Goff, was an acclaimed Australian-born British writer best known for her iconic creation, the Mary Poppins series. Her career was marked by the successful adaptation of her books into a beloved Disney film in 1964, and later, a stage musical and a sequel film, Mary Poppins Returns. Travers initially pursued a career in acting and writing in Australia before moving to England, where she adopted her pen name and found literary success. Her work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, securing her legacy in children's literature.

Travers was born in Maryborough, Queensland, to Travers Robert Goff, a bank manager, and Margaret Agnes Goff (née Morehead), related to Boyd Dunlop Morehead, a former Premier of Queensland. Despite her Australian birth, Travers identified with her Irish heritage, influenced by her father's stories. Her family moved frequently due to her father's career challenges, which shaped her imaginative and self-sufficient spirit. Her mother, known for her guidance, played a significant role in her upbringing, alongside her great aunt Ellie in Sydney.

Bill Travers

Bill Travers

Bill Travers, born William Inglis Lindon Travers, was a renowned British actor, screenwriter, director, and animal rights activist. Travers gained prominence with his role in "Geordie" (1955), leading to a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Despite his potential in Hollywood, films like "Bhowani Junction" (1956) and "The Seventh Sin" (1957) underperformed at the box office. Travers returned to Britain, starring in films such as "Passionate Summer" (1958) and the monster film "Gorgo" (1959). His diverse career also included military service during World War II, where he was honored with an MBE for his contributions.

Bill Travers was born in Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, County Durham, England. His father, William Halton Lindon-Travers, managed a theater, and his mother was Florence (née Wheatley). His sister, Linden Travers, and her daughter Susan also pursued acting careers.

Pat Travers

Pat Travers

Pat Travers, born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, is a renowned Canadian rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He gained prominence in the mid-1970s with his debut album under the Polydor label. Travers is celebrated for his dynamic live performances, including his iconic appearance on Rockpalast in 1976. His band's live album, "Live! Go for What You Know," featuring the hit "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)," reached the Top 40 in the U.S. Despite facing challenges with record labels, Travers continued to produce music, including the hit single "I La La La Love You" from Black Pearl, and maintained a strong presence in the rock scene, touring with bands like Rush and Rainbow.

Henry Travers

Henry Travers

Henry Travers, born Travers John Heagerty, was an English character actor renowned for his roles in classic films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Mrs. Miniver," for which he received an Academy Award nomination. Known for his portrayals of amiable and slightly bumbling older men, Travers appeared in 52 films throughout his career. Key performances include roles in "The Invisible Man," "Dark Victory," and "High Sierra." His Broadway debut was in "The Price of Peace" (1901), and his best-known stage role was in "You Can't Take It With You."

Travers was born in Prudhoe, Northumberland, to Irish parents Daniel Heagerty, a doctor, and Ellen Gillman Hornibrook. Ellen was previously married to William H. Belcher, with whom she had a son, Samuel William Belcher. Travers had two siblings: Daniel George Belsaigne Heagerty and Mary Sophia Maude Heagerty. The family moved to Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, during his childhood.

Travers Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Travers" is of English and Irish origin. It is associated with a variety of notable figures across different fields, including sports, literature, and entertainment, such as the Australian author P. L. Travers and English actor Henry Travers. The name also appears in various fictional works, including characters in P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves stories and the Harry Potter series.

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