Faulkner

Origin and Meaning: Faulkner is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "falconer," which denotes a person who breeds or trains falcons for the sport of falconry. The surname likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a falconer.

History: The Faulkner surname has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. The occupation of falconer was an esteemed and noble position, as falconry was a popular sport among the aristocracy in medieval England. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Faulkner would have passed it down to their descendants, leading to its establishment as a hereditary surname.

Distribution and Popularity: The surname Faulkner is relatively common in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The popularity of the surname may vary in different regions, influenced by historical settlement patterns and migration flows.

Notable People:

  • William Faulkner (1897-1962): A renowned American writer and Nobel Prize laureate known for his novels and short stories that explored the complexities of the American South.
  • Karen Faulkner: An English scientist recognized for her contributions to the field of astrophysics and space research.
  • Jane Faulkner: A British historian specializing in medieval studies, with several published works on the social history of the Middle Ages.

Legacy: The surname Faulkner carries with it a legacy of connection to the ancient art of falconry and a reminder of the historical significance of this noble profession in medieval England. Today, individuals bearing the Faulkner surname may take pride in their heritage and ancestral ties to this distinguished occupation.

There are approximately 18,163 people named Faulkner in the UK. That makes it the 480th most common surname in Britain. Around 279 in a million people in Britain are named Faulkner.

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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.

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