SKINNER
The surname Skinner is rooted in the English language and is classified as an occupational name, denoting a person whose trade involved the preparation of animal hides by removing the fur or skin. The contemporary form of the name derives from the Middle English word skinnere, which in turn originates from the Old Norse word skinn, meaning “hide” or “pelt.” This linguistic lineage reflects the historical influence of Norse settlers in the British Isles, especially in the northern counties of England and parts of Scotland.
In the medieval period, the skill of a skinner was highly regarded, as evidenced by the inclusion of the Worshipful Company of Skinners within the Great Twelve Livery Companies of London. The company was considered one of the most prestigious, underscoring the importance of leather and fur in the economy of the time. The hereditary nature of the surname is among the earliest recorded in England, with documented instances such as Ralph Le Skinnere appearing in a 1269 deed from Hertfordshire, and Stephan Skynnar noted in a 1361 land transaction in Inverness, Scotland.
Within the ecclesiastical and civic records of the British Isles there are at least fifteen notable individuals bearing the surname. Bishop Robert Skinner (1591‑1670) was arrested in 1641 and imprisoned in the Tower of London during the Commonwealth period; he survived the incarceration and continued to preach until advanced age. The Reverend John Skinner (1721‑1807) was a minister in Aberdeenshire and a contemporary of Robert Burns, recognised for his authorship of hymns, songs and poetry. A military figure, James Skinner (1778‑1841), established Skinner’s Horse, an influential lancer regiment within the early Indian Army.
Botany and the colonisation of New England also feature the surname. Records from the 1623 census of the Virginia Colony indicate that a John Skinner of London was among the earliest settlers of the American colonies, arriving merely modestly after the founding of Jamestown in 1607. The appearance of the name in these early documents attests to the transatlantic spread of British families during the early seventeenth century.
Although the surname is primarily associated with the United Kingdom, it also spread to other parts of the British Empire, reflecting both trade networks and migration patterns. The occupational nature of the name has led many genealogical studies to trace lineages through parish registers, apprenticeship indentures and guild records, confirming the enduring presence of the skinner profession throughout English and Scottish history.
Today, the surname remains a marker of a trade that was once central to material culture. It continues to be studied by historians, linguists and genealogists, who regard the early medieval usage, guild affiliation and international migration as key components of its rich heritage.
Typical given names associated with the Skinner surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Anne
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Janet
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- 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.
How to communicate the surname Skinner in...
Braille
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Morse
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Did you know?
According to a survey carried out by Democracy Club, politicians and candidates with the surname Skinner are most likely to say that their favourite biscuit is a Caramel digestive.
There are approximately 24,102 people named Skinner in the UK. That makes it the 343rd most common surname in Britain. Around 370 in a million people in Britain are named Skinner.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Skinner
- Dennis Skinner - Politician
- Mike Skinner - Rapper
- Hugh Skinner - Actor
- Frank Skinner - Comedian and television personality
- B. F. Skinner - American behaviorist (1904 to 1990)
- Quentin Skinner - Historian
- Richard Skinner - Radio DJ
- Sam Skinner - Rugby union football player
- Michael Skinner - Rugby union player
- Dan Renton Skinner - Actor
- Callum Skinner - Scottish track cyclist
- James Scott Skinner - Musician (1843 to 1927)
- Grahame Skinner - Singer-songwriter
- Peter Skinner - Politician
- Justin Skinner - Football player born 1969
- Will Skinner - Rugby union player
- Zena Skinner - Chef (1927 to 2018)
- Arthur Skinner - (1919 to 1)
- David Arthur Skinner - Jazz pianist
- Thomas Skinner - Etcher (1819 to 1881)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.