Findlater

Findlater is a Scottish surname of toponymic origin. It derives from the place name "Findlater," a coastal village in Banffshire, Scotland. The name comes from the Old Norse words "finna," meaning to find or discover, and "leidr," meaning later or hindmost.

History

The Findlater family is believed to have been historically associated with the parish of Fordyce in Banffshire, where they owned land and lived for generations. The earliest record of the surname dates back to the 13th century, when a William de Fyndelantyr held land in Moray. Over time, branches of the Findlater family spread to other parts of Scotland and beyond.

Migration

In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Findlater families emigrated from Scotland to countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, seeking new opportunities and a better life. As a result, the surname can now be found in various parts of the world.

Notable Bearers

  • George Findlater (1786–1853) – A Scottish mathematician and astronomer known for his work on mathematical tables.
  • Helen Findlater (1862–1955) – A Scottish writer and journalist who contributed to women's magazines in the early 20th century.
  • David Findlater (b. 1970) – A contemporary British artist known for his abstract paintings.

Legacy

The surname Findlater continues to be borne by individuals of Scottish descent and remains a part of their ancestral heritage. It reflects the history and geography of the Findlater region in Scotland, serving as a reminder of the family's roots in a picturesque coastal village.

There are approximately 848 people named Findlater in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,409th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Findlater.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Ross
  • Scott
  • William

Female

  • Andrea
  • Christine
  • Donna
  • Heather
  • Irene
  • Jean
  • Joyce
  • Julie
  • Lorraine
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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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