FARMER
Farmer
Overview: Farmer is a surname of English origin derived from the Old French word "fermier" or "fermour", meaning a tenant or steward of a farm. The surname is occupational in nature and denotes someone who was involved in farming or agricultural work. The name originates from the medieval period in England when surnames became a means of identifying individuals within a growing population.
History: The surname Farmer first appeared in the records in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. The earliest recorded mention of the name is found in Worcestershire, England. Over the centuries, the surname spread across the country and became established in various regions. Farmers were an integral part of medieval society, responsible for managing and working the land to produce food and resources for their communities.
Distribution: The surname Farmer is most commonly found in England, particularly in counties with a strong agricultural heritage such as Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Devon. As people migrated and settled in other parts of the world, the surname also became established in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Notable Individuals:
- John Farmer (c.1570-1601): English composer and musician known for his vocal and instrumental works.
- Fannie Merritt Farmer (1857-1915): American culinary expert and author of the influential "Boston Cooking-School Cook Book."
- Philip José Farmer (1918-2009): American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels, including the Riverworld series.
Modern-Day: Today, individuals with the surname Farmer can be found in various professions and industries beyond agriculture. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to its historical roots in farming and land stewardship.
References:
- Harrison, Henry. "Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary." Genealogical Publishing Company, 2013.
- Reaney, P. H., and R. M. Wilson. "A Dictionary of English Surnames." Oxford University Press, 2011.
There are approximately 17,532 people named Farmer in the UK. That makes it the 500th most common surname in Britain. Around 269 in a million people in Britain are named Farmer.
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
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.