TELLER
Teller
Origin and Meaning
Teller is a British surname of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word "teller," meaning a person who counted or kept records, particularly in a financial or administrative capacity. The name is indicative of an ancestor who worked as a bank teller, an accountant, or a record-keeper.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Teller is relatively uncommon in Britain, with a concentrated presence in certain regions. According to census data and genealogical records, individuals bearing the name Teller are mainly found in counties in England, such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London.
Notable Individuals
Notable individuals with the surname Teller include:
-
Raymond Teller (b. 1948) - An American magician, best known as the silent half of the magic duo Penn & Teller.
-
Edward Teller (1908–2003) - A Hungarian-born American physicist known as the "father of the hydrogen bomb" for his significant contributions to nuclear and theoretical physics.
-
Judith Teller - Fictitious character in British literature, appearing in various novels as an enigmatic figure embodying secrecy and intrigue.
Coat of Arms
The Teller family has a rich heraldic history, with a coat of arms symbolising values such as diligence, integrity, and knowledge. The traditional Teller coat of arms typically features elements such as a ledger book, denoting a history of recording and preserving data, and a laurel wreath, symbolising achievement and honour.
Legacy
The surname Teller, with its roots in the historical role of record-keeping and financial stewardship, continues to be carried by diverse individuals and families across the United Kingdom. Whether as a name passed down through generations or as a distinctive marker of professional identity, the legacy of the Teller surname endures as a testament to the importance of trust, accuracy, and responsibility in society.
There are approximately 103 people named Teller in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Teller.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Germany
Language of origin: German
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adam
- Christopher
- George
- Jeremy
- John
- Joseph
- Marc
- Martin
- Matthew
- Michael
- Neil
- Richard
- Sam
Female
- Catherine
- Chana
- Christine
- Emily
- Magdalena
- Miriam
- Patricia
- Sheila
- Susan
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.