Havenga Coat of Arms

The surname Havenga has Dutch origins and is primarily found in the Netherlands and South Africa. It is believed to be a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name Hajo, with the suffix "-enga", which is a variant of "-inga"—a common patronymic formation in East Frisian and Dutch naming traditions.
The name Havenga may also have connections to maritime activities, as "haven" in Dutch means "harbor" or "port", suggesting that early bearers of the name may have been involved in trade or seafaring. The surname became more prominent during periods of European maritime exploration and trade expansion, and later, through migration to South Africa, where Dutch settlers carried the name into new cultural contexts.

Notable individuals with the surname include M. Havenga, who contributed to agricultural sciences in South Africa, and Jan Havenga, known for his achievements in sports, particularly rugby.