“Avent
Variants: Avant
Current Frequencies GB 287, Ireland 0
GB frequency 1881: 274
Main GB location 1881: Devon

Norman, English: nickname from Old French avenant ‘fitting; handsome, comely’, an adjective that also used as a personal name. Compare Davenant and Havenhand.

Early bearers: given names: Avenant de Twipp’, 1204 in Curia Regis Rolls (Devon).

Surnames: Osbert, Ralph Auenant, 1156-80 in Bury (Suffolk), 1198 in Feet of Fines (Norfolk); Richard Avenant, 1357 in Patent Rolls; George Avent, 1601 in IGI (Yealmpton, Devon); Alexander Avenant, 1613 in IGI (Kings Norton, Worcs); John Avenant, 1651 in Devon Wills (Stokeninteignhead).”