PROCTOR
Proctor
Proctor is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English term "proketour," which means an officer having various duties. The surname was first recorded in the early 13th century and was associated with roles such as a steward or supervisor. Over time, individuals with the surname Proctor would have likely worked in positions of authority or oversight within their communities.
The Proctor surname is found throughout the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, through immigration and colonial settlement.
One of the most famous individuals with the surname Proctor was Robert Proctor (1868–1903), a renowned bibliographer and librarian. He was known for his work on incunabula, early printed books produced before 1501, and his efforts to compile comprehensive bibliographies of these rare publications.
Today, the surname Proctor continues to be borne by people around the world, reflecting the rich heritage and history of this English occupational name.
There are approximately 13,995 people named Proctor in the UK. That makes it the 641st most common surname in Britain. Around 215 in a million people in Britain are named Proctor.
Surname type: Status 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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan