Rafter

Rafter is a surname of English origin, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "rafter" or "raftery," which referred to a skilled worker in timber who constructed roofs using rafters.

The surname Rafter is mainly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire in England. It is also prevalent in Ireland, particularly in County Kilkenny, where it was introduced by English settlers during the Middle Ages.

Individuals bearing the surname Rafter have made notable contributions in various fields including literature, sports, and politics. One prominent figure was Australian-born British actress Eileen Rafter, known for her stage and screen performances in the mid-20th century.

The Rafter family crest features a design with a distinctive shield and symbols that represent unity, loyalty, and strength. Over the centuries, the Rafter surname has continued to be passed down through generations, preserving the heritage and legacy of this ancient English surname.

There are approximately 584 people named Rafter in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Rafter.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Brian
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Lee
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Sean

Female

  • Angela
  • Ann
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Clare
  • Diane
  • Elizabeth
  • Esme
  • Fiona
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sylvia
  • Tracy
  • Victoria

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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