The English surname Weaver is of occupational and habitational origin.  The name may be a  derivative of the Middle Englishterm  weven meaning “to weave” (Old English wefan).  The name may also be a habitational name from a place on the Weaver river in Cheshire, now called Weaver Hall but recorded simply as Weuere in the 13th and 14th centuries. The river name is from Old English wefer(e)  meaning “winding stream.” The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Simon de Wevere. This was dated 1259, in the Assize Court rolls of Cheshire. An interesting bearer, listed in the "Dictionary of National Biography", was John Weaver (1673 - 1760), a famous dancing master and the original introducer of pantomimes into England.