Fuller

Origin and Meaning

Fuller is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word "fullere," which referred to someone who worked as a fuller, a person who cleaned and thickened cloth by kneading and treading. The surname indicates that an ancestor of the bearer worked as a fuller.

History

The Fuller surname has ancient origins in England, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. The occupation of fuller was crucial in the textile industry, and those who held this job played a significant role in the production of woolen cloth. The surname spread throughout England and eventually became established as a hereditary family name.

Notable Bearers

  • Thomas Fuller (1608-1661): A prominent English churchman and historian known for his work "The Worthies of England."
  • Samuel Fuller (1580-1633): One of the Pilgrim Fathers who travelled aboard the Mayflower to the New World in 1620.
  • Loie Fuller (1862-1928): An American dancer who was a pioneer in modern dance and theatrical lighting techniques.

Modern Distribution and Popularity

The surname Fuller remains common in England and has also spread to other English-speaking countries. It is still found among descendants of English immigrants and has variations such as Fullerton and Fulcher. In the United States, Fuller is a relatively common surname, with many individuals proudly bearing this ancestral name.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms associated with the Fuller surname features symbols representing strength, honesty, and industriousness. The design typically includes elements such as a lion rampant, signifying courage and valor, along with a field of blue or red to symbolize loyalty and fortitude.

Conclusion

The Fuller surname is a reminder of a bygone era when skilled craftsmen played a crucial role in the textile industry. Today, individuals who bear the Fuller name can take pride in their heritage and the contributions of their ancestors to the history of England and beyond.

There are approximately 23,116 people named Fuller in the UK. That makes it the 369th most common surname in Britain. Around 355 in a million people in Britain are named Fuller.

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
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • 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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