FOWLER

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Fowler

Origin and Meaning: The surname Fowler is of Old English origin, derived from the word "fugelere," meaning bird-catcher or falconer. The name likely originated as an occupational surname for individuals who worked as bird-catchers or those who trained and hunted with falcons.

Distribution: The Fowler surname is predominantly found in England and Scotland, with a significant presence in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name has also been recorded in various spellings, including Fowlere, Fouler, and Fowlers.

Notable Individuals:

  • William Alfred Fowler (1911 – 1995): American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his research on the creation of chemical elements in stars.
  • Maynard Alfred Fowler (1890 – 1987): British surgeon and medical researcher known for his contributions to cardiovascular surgery and the development of artificial heart valves.

Historical Significance: The Fowler surname can be traced back to medieval England, where individuals with this name were involved in the hunting and trapping of birds for food, sport, and trade. Falconry, in particular, was a popular pastime among the nobility, and fowlers played a crucial role in training and handling birds of prey.

Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the Fowler surname include Fowlere, Fouler, Foler, and Fowles. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, leading to the emergence of different derivatives and variations.

Coat of Arms: The Fowler family crest typically features symbols associated with bird-catchers and falconers, such as a falcon or hawk in flight, wings, feathers, or hunting equipment. The coat of arms often reflects the family's heritage, values, and accomplishments.

Modern Usage: In contemporary times, the Fowler surname continues to be prevalent among English-speaking populations worldwide. Many individuals with the Fowler surname have made significant contributions to various fields, including science, medicine, business, and the arts.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 27,519 people named Fowler in the UK. That makes it the 291st most common surname in Britain. Around 423 in a million people in Britain are named Fowler.

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
  • Jacqueline
  • 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.

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