TURNER
Turner
Turner is an English occupational surname that originated during the medieval period. The surname is derived from the Old English word "turn", meaning a tower or a lookout point. The name was used to describe a person who worked as a lathe worker or a carpenter, particularly one who specialized in woodturning.
Origin and History The surname Turner has been traced back to the 11th century in England, where it was initially used to distinguish individuals based on their profession. Many Turners were skilled artisans who produced turned wood products such as bowls, spindles, and furniture. Over time, the surname became hereditary, passing down through generations of families.
Distribution The surname Turner is a common surname in England, and it has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The highest concentrations of individuals with the Turner surname can be found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent in England.
Famous Individuals Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Turner. One of the most famous was J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), an English Romantic painter known for his landscape and seascape paintings. Another prominent figure is Tina Turner (born 1939), an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".
Modern Significance In modern times, the surname Turner continues to be a popular and widespread surname. Many individuals with the surname Turner have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, music, literature, and science. The surname is also common in genealogical research and family history studies, as many people seek to trace their ancestry back to the original Turner families.
The surname Turner carries a rich heritage and legacy, reflecting the craftsmanship and skill of its early bearers. Today, it remains a symbol of creativity, artistry, and ingenuity in the English-speaking world.
There are approximately 143,922 people named Turner in the UK. That makes it the 26th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,210 in a million people in Britain are named Turner.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Terner
- Tarner
- Turnour
- Tarener
- Tauner
- Truner
- Tunrer
- Turne
- Turnea
- Turnere
- Teriner
- Ternier
- Thurner
- Tierner
- Tirner
- Tornari
- Torner
- Tornero
- Tournair
- Tourner
- Tourneur
- Tournier
- Tournour
- Trauner
- Turnau
- Turnber
- Turneer
- Turners
- Turnier
- Turnner
- Turnor
- Turuner
- Thorner
- Tornieri
- Traner
- Trener
- Turer
- Turker
- Turna
- Turnek
- Turnel
- Turnes
- Tyrner
- Trainor
- Turnage
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.