Tapper

Tapper is an English surname that originated as an occupational name for a person who played a musical instrument, specifically the drum or tabor. The term “tabor” was used to describe a small drum played with one hand while the other hand held a stick to beat it.

Origin

The surname Tapper has its roots in medieval England during the era when surnames were adopted to distinguish individuals. It is believed to have derived from the Middle English word “taper,” meaning a drummer.

Distribution

The surname Tapper is most commonly found in the southern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Tapper have migrated to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, contributing to the distribution of the name.

Notable Individuals

  • Henry Tapper (b. 1957) – English pension expert and founder of the Pension PlayPen website.

  • Sarah Tapper (b. 1985) – British actress known for her roles in various television productions.

Variants

Variants of the surname Tapper include Tapers, Tappper, and Tappar. These variations may have emerged due to dialectical differences or errors in historical records.

Coat of Arms

The Tapper family coat of arms features distinctive heraldic symbols, often incorporating imagery related to music or drums. However, the specific design of the coat of arms may vary depending on the branch of the family and historical references.

In conclusion, the surname Tapper has a rich history tied to the musical traditions of England and continues to be borne by individuals across the country and beyond.

There are approximately 1,431 people named Tapper in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,570th most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Tapper.

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
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alexa
  • Diane
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jennifer
  • Joanna
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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