FALCONER
Falconer
Falconer is a British surname of occupational origin, believed to have derived from the Old French word "faulconnier", meaning a falconer or one who breeds and trains falcons. The surname is thought to have been brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Origins and History The surname Falconer can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where falconry was a popular sport among the nobility and was considered a symbol of status and prestige. Falconers were responsible for training and caring for birds of prey, such as falcons and hawks, which were used in hunting. The skill of falconry was highly regarded and passed down through generations, with Falconer becoming a hereditary surname among those practising this noble art.
Distribution The surname Falconer is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in Scotland and England. It is most common in areas with a history of falconry, such as the counties of Fife and Angus in Scotland, where the sport was particularly popular.
Notable Individuals Over the centuries, the Falconer surname has been held by various notable individuals, including artists, writers, politicians, and academics. For example, Hugh Falconer (1808–1865) was a Scottish geologist and paleontologist known for his work in India, while Elizabeth Falconer (1923–2006) was a British artist celebrated for her watercolour paintings.
Symbolism The Falconer surname symbolises a connection to the ancient art of falconry, reflecting qualities such as precision, skill, and nobility. The falcon itself is often used as a symbol of strength, power, and freedom, making the surname Falconer a proud and distinguished name in British history.
In conclusion, the Falconer surname embodies a rich heritage of falconry and noble tradition, with a legacy that endures to this day.
There are approximately 7,061 people named Falconer in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,336th most common surname in Britain. Around 108 in a million people in Britain are named Falconer.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Lynne
- 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.