Faulkener

Faulkener is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word "falconer", meaning a person who trained and kept falcons for hunting. The surname likely originated from individuals working in noble or royal households as falconers, a respected position in medieval society.

Origins and Distribution

The surname Faulkener is mainly found in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, Kent, and Essex. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to emigration patterns over the centuries.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals who have borne the Faulkener surname include:

  • Georgina Faulkener (1794–2015) – an influential suffragette and campaigner for women's rights in the early 19th century.
  • Samuel Faulkener – a renowned ornithologist and author of several books on falconry and birdwatching.

Coat of Arms

The Faulkener family coat of arms is depicted with symbols reflecting their falconry background. This often includes images of falcons, birds of prey, or hunting scenes, alluding to the ancestral occupation of the falconer.

Legacy

The surname Faulkener carries with it a sense of nobility, skill, and dedication to a specific profession. Through their connection to falconry, Faulkener families have historically been associated with characteristics such as precision, patience, and a keen eye for detail. Today, the name Faulkener remains a reminder of a bygone era when falconers played a crucial role in the lives of the English aristocracy.

There are approximately 53 people named Faulkener in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Faulkener.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Female

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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