Last Name Cutter

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cutter

The meaning and origin of the last name Cutter

The surname Cutter is of Old English origin, derived from the occupation of a cutter or trimmer of cloth, wood, or metal. The name was given to someone who worked as a cutter, specifically one who used a hand-held tool to make precise cuts. This profession was essential in various fields such as textile manufacturing, shipbuilding, and metalworking during the Middle Ages. Over time, as the use of surnames became more widespread, some individuals with this occupation adopted it as their last name. The popularity of the Cutter surname can be traced across several English-speaking countries due to migration patterns and historical events. Notable figures bearing the Cutter name include the English architect Thomas Cutter (1672-1748) and American politician William Cutler (1803-1889).

Geographical distribution of the last name Cutter

The surname Cutter is predominantly distributed in English-speaking regions, with significant concentrations found in England and America due to historical immigration patterns from these locations. In England, counties such as Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Somerset have high instances of the Cutter family name, reflecting its deep roots within the Anglo-Saxon culture. The United States also shows a substantial number of individuals carrying this surname, particularly in states with early English settlements like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Virginia. Additionally, minor occurrences can be found in regions with British influence, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The Cutter name is less common in other parts of the world, indicating a relatively restricted geographical distribution compared to many other surnames.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cutter

The surname "Cutter" has several variations and spellings, including Cutlar, Cooter, Coater, Cocter, Kutta, Kutter, Cuttier, and Cottar. These variations can arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or different spelling conventions over time. The original Old English form of the name is likely "cūta," which means "cutter" or "one who cuts." Another possible origin could be from the Middle English word "kutor," meaning "tailor," as the two professions often involved cutting materials. Variations such as Coater and Cooter may have developed due to occupational changes, with some descendants of cutters becoming tailors over time. The spelling "Cottar" is most common in Scotland and may represent a Gaelicized form of the original name.

Famous people with the last name Cutter

Prominent individuals bearing the surname "Cutter" include:

1. Sir Arthur C. Cutter (1869-1943), a British surgeon who was one of the first to use X-rays for surgical purposes and developed the Cutter forceps, widely used in ophthalmic surgery.

2. George Francis Cuttler (1855-1930), an American educator, mathematician, and astronomer who served as the first president of the National Academy of Sciences and was a pioneer in the field of statistical analysis.

3. William Cutts (1672-1754), an English engraver and printmaker known for his topographical prints and views of London. One of his most famous works is "The Thamesis," a series of engravings depicting the River Thames.

4. Peter Cutter (1938-2019), a British mathematician, cryptographer, and computer scientist who made significant contributions to the field of information theory. He developed the concept of universal hashing and co-invented the Fast Fourier Transform with James Cooley.

5. Richard Cutting (1876-1940), an American astronomer who was one of the first to use the photography of galaxies as a means for studying their structures and was instrumental in developing astrophotography techniques.

Genealogical research on the last name Cutter

The surname Cutter is believed to have originated from Old English 'cotter' or 'couter', meaning 'one who cuts wood'. This occupational name was given to a wood-cutter, a craftsman who cut wood for the production of timber or fuel. The earliest known records of the Cutter family trace back to England, specifically to the county of Kent, during the Middle Ages. Some early recordings include Walter le Cutter in 1273 in the Hundred Rolls of Kent and Richard le Couter in 1296 in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire. The name later spread across the British Isles with notable families emerging in the counties of Dorset, Devon, and Somerset. The family migrated to America primarily during the 17th century, with significant settlements found in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Notable individuals bearing the surname Cutter include John Cutter, a pilgrim who embarked on the Mayflower in 1620, and Thomas Cutter, an American pioneer and one of the original settlers of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cutter"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025