This unusual surname was brought into Britain during the Norman invasion. Its original spelling was Passeavant (and variations thereof), French for 'to go in front', an occupational surname for a messenger.

Early mentions include:

• 1221. William Passavaut, of Muleton, Shropshire: Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 11
• 1332. Her' Gilberti Passeuant: Lincolnshire Lay Subsidy
• 1412. Margaret, daughter of Robert Passeuant: Shropshire Peace Rolls
• 1454. John Passand, of Shrewsbury, mercer, s. of William, of Abbey Forgate: Shrewsbury Burgess Records

The surname is extant in the UK. By the 17th century many Passavant families had either become extinct or changed to different surnames. The primary line of the family was now settled around Worthen and Shrewsbury in Shropshire, where they practised the trades of apothecary and were yeoman farmers. According to The Publications of the Selden Society, Vol. 16, page 204., all Shropshire Passants were descendants of an man living in the early 16th century by the name of John Passeffant, Cryer of the Abbottes Curtes and Wolde Haue. In the 17th century, the most common rendering of the name was Passand. In the 18th century, the Shropshire Passands, scattered and died out, leaving just one family carrying the name Passon. Some Passants of this family went to Ireland while others went to London and Oxfordshire. By the 19th century the surname was invariably rendered as Passant, who were numerous as shoemakers in South West Shropshire.

The surname is also extant in France and other parts of Europe.Stolen from Fore bears

This surname is derived from an official title, 'a pursuivant' or 'messenger,' one who attended upon the herald in royal processions or journeys. This seems to be the meaning.

Adam Passevaunt, co. Wilts, 1273. A.

Walter Passavant, C. R., 33 Hen. III.

Roger Passavant. Rotuli Litterarum Clausarum in Turri Londinensi.

William Passavaunt. Rolls of Parliament.