Frasier

Origin and Meaning

Frasier is a British surname with Scottish roots. It is derived from the Old French word 'fraisier', meaning 'strawberry plant'. The name could have been either a topographic name for someone who lived near a strawberry patch or a nickname for someone with a rosy complexion.

Historical Significance

The Frasier family has a long history in Scotland, with records dating back to the 12th century. They were known to be prominent landowners and nobles, often holding positions of power and influence. The most famous figure associated with the name is Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, who played a significant role in the Jacobite uprisings of the 18th century.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Frasier is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with most bearers of the name concentrated in Scotland and the northern regions of England. It has also been found in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada, due to Scottish immigration.

Notable Individuals

  • Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat - Scottish nobleman and Jacobite leader
  • Anne Frasier - American author known for her suspense novels
  • Kelsey Grammer - American actor who portrayed Dr. Frasier Crane in the TV series "Frasier"

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the surname Frasier include Fraser, Frazer, and Frazier. These variations have been used interchangeably over the years, especially among the Scottish branches of the family.

There are approximately 38 people named Frasier in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Frasier.

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

  • Brian
  • Jonathen
  • Marc
  • Simon

Female

  • Susanna

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.