TOWER
Tower
Tower is a surname of British origin, derived from the Old English word "tūr," meaning a tower or tall structure typically found in castles or fortifications. The surname Tower is believed to have originally been used to refer to individuals who lived near or worked in a tower. Over time, people began to adopt the name as a hereditary family surname.
Origins:
The surname Tower can be traced back to medieval times in England. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name or a geographical feature, in this case, a tower. Families with the surname Tower were often associated with positions of importance or authority within the community due to the association with the symbol of strength and protection that a tower represents.
Distribution:
The surname Tower is relatively common in England, particularly in regions that have a history of medieval fortifications and castles. It is also found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, where families of British descent migrated and established themselves over the centuries.
Notable Individuals:
- Nigel Tower: Renowned historian and author known for his works on medieval architecture.
- Grace Tower: Acclaimed actress who starred in several British period dramas in the 20th century.
- Sir William Tower: Influential politician and philanthropist who played a key role in the development of public infrastructure in Victorian England.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Tower include Towers, Tour, Towers, and Tourer. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, dialects, or scribal errors over the centuries.
In conclusion, the surname Tower carries a rich history and legacy rooted in the medieval era of British history. Families bearing this surname can take pride in their heritage and connection to the enduring symbol of strength and protection embodied by a tower.
There are approximately 295 people named Tower in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Tower.
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
- Alexander
- Christopher
- Darren
- David
- Dean
- Jason
- John
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Robert
- Wayne
- William
Female
- Catharine
- Ceri
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Grace
- Jennifer
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Susan
- Verity
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.