Fanner

The surname Fanner is of English origin, derived from the Old English word fannere, meaning one who fans or winnows grain. This suggests that the name was likely an occupational surname for someone who worked as a fan maker or operated a device for winnowing.

Distribution and Frequency

The frequency of the surname Fanner in the United Kingdom is relatively low. The name is most commonly found in the southern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Surrey, Sussex, and Kent.

Famous Individuals

Notable individuals with the surname Fanner include:

  • John Fanner (1867–1943): A respected agricultural engineer known for his innovations in farm machinery.
  • Mary Fanner (b. 1982): A British actress who has appeared in several popular television series.

Variants

Variants of the surname Fanner include Fannar, Phanner, and Fannery. These variations might have arisen due to phonetic changes or regional accents over time.

Coat of Arms

The Fanner family crest typically features symbols representing industry, diligence, and agricultural pursuits. The shield may display images such as a winnowing fan or other agricultural tools.

In modern times, the surname Fanner continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the rich tapestry of British surnames and their historical significance.

There are approximately 205 people named Fanner in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Fanner.

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

  • Antony
  • Ashley
  • David
  • Graeme
  • James
  • John
  • Kit
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Nigel
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Robin

Female

  • Avril
  • Cecilia
  • Clare
  • Deborah
  • Evelyn
  • Joanne
  • Kate
  • Lindsey
  • Margaret
  • Priscilla
  • Sarah
  • Sheila
  • Sonja
  • Stephanie

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.