Butler

Origin:
The surname Butler is of Old French and Anglo-Norman origins, derived from the Old French word "bouteillier" which means "cup-bearer" or "wine steward". In medieval times, a butler was a high-ranking servant responsible for overseeing the wine cellar and dining arrangements of a noble house.

History:
The Butler family is of ancient and noble lineage, with the name recorded as early as the 12th century in England and Ireland. The Butlers held prominent positions as trusted advisors and administrators to royal and noble households. The most famous branch of the Butler family is the Butler dynasty of Ormond in Ireland, who were powerful nobles and hereditary chiefs in the Middle Ages.

Notable People:

  • Marilyn Butler (1947 – 2014) – English literary critic and academic.
  • Joseph Butler (1692 – 1752) – English bishop and theologian.
  • Gerard Butler (b. 1969) – Scottish actor and film producer.
  • Rab Butler (1902 – 1982) – British Conservative politician.
  • Octavia Butler (1947 – 2006) – American science fiction writer.

Coat of Arms:
The Butler family crest typically features symbols such as a silver lion, boar, or griffin, often accompanied by a motto that reflects the family's values and history.

Modern Distribution:
Today, the surname Butler is widespread across the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. Many individuals with the surname Butler continue to uphold a tradition of service, leadership, and contribution to various fields.

There are approximately 61,298 people named Butler in the UK. That makes it the 108th most common surname in Britain. Around 941 in a million people in Britain are named Butler.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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