DRIVER

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Driver

Pronunciation: /ˈdraɪvər/

Origin: English

Meaning: Driver is a surname of English origin with occupational roots. It is derived from the Old English word "drifan," meaning to drive or to carry out. The name was initially associated with individuals who worked as carriers, drovers, or cart drivers.

Distribution: The surname Driver is most commonly found in England, with concentrations in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex.

Notable Individuals:

  1. Minnie Driver (b. 1970): A well-known British actress and singer, Minnie Driver gained fame for her performances in films such as "Good Will Hunting" and "The Phantom of the Opera."

  2. Bruce Driver (b. 1962): A former professional ice hockey player from the United Kingdom, Bruce Driver played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers.

Historical Significance: The surname Driver has a long history in England, dating back to medieval times. The role of drivers and carriers was vital in facilitating trade and transportation of goods across the country. Over time, individuals with the surname Driver have diversified their occupations and made significant contributions in various fields.

Coat of Arms: The Driver family coat of arms features elements such as a shield with symbols of strength and perseverance, reflecting the qualities associated with the name.

Variants: Variants of the surname Driver include Dreyer, Dreier, and Dryver.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 8,010 people named Driver in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,179th most common surname in Britain. Around 123 in a million people in Britain are named Driver.

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
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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