Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Faulkner

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Faulkner?

The surname Faulkner has Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from a place name meaning "Folk's hill" or "Fawkener's farm." It is thought to have been originally located near the town of Falconer in Northumberland, England. The name began to be used as a surname during the Middle Ages, around the 12th century. Notable individuals with the surname Faulkner include the American author William Faulkner and the British actor Robert Faulkner.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Faulkner

The meaning and origin of the last name Faulkner

The surname Faulkner is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English 'Folcneah', which translates to 'follk' or 'people' and 'hnacor' or 'hill with a hollow'. It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived on a hill with a natural depression. The Faulkner family is believed to have originated from the county of Worcestershire, England, where records of the name can be traced back to the 13th century. Notable figures bearing this surname include Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner and actor Dan Faulkner.

Geographical distribution of the last name Faulkner

The surname Faulkner is predominantly found in regions with historical English and Irish influences, although it has also been dispersed globally due to migration. In England, particularly counties such as Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire, the name is prevalent, reflecting its Anglo-Saxon origins. In Ireland, it's notably present in Ulster, which was settled by Scottish and English families during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. The name also has a significant presence in the southern United States, particularly in Mississippi and Alabama, due to early British settlers and subsequent migration patterns. Additionally, there are notable concentrations of Faulkners in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where many British settlers emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Faulkner

The surname Faulkner has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and pronunciation over time. Here are some common versions:

1. Falkner, Faullknar, Faukener, Fawkner, Falconer, Faulkener, Foulkner, and Foukner are some of the historical spellings that have been documented.
2. In modern times, variations such as Falcone, Falckner, Falquiner, Falkenr, Faukelner, and Fawcus are less common but still exist due to regional dialects or individual preferences in spelling.
3. It's important to note that the origin of the name is Old English and means "falconer" or "son of Falco."
4. The most famous bearer of this surname is William Faulkner, an American author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949.
5. Today, people with the surname Faulkner can be found worldwide, but it is particularly common in England and among descendants of English immigrants to North America.

Famous people with the last name Faulkner

Notable individuals with the surname Faulkner include Nobel Prize laureate William Faulkner, an influential American author known for his works like "The Sound and the Fury," "As I Lay Dying," and "Absalom, Absalom!". Another well-known figure is Ross R. Faulkner, a British archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Maya civilization. He led the team that discovered the ruins of the ancient city Palenque in Mexico. In popular culture, singer Bobby Faulkner gained fame as a member of the American boy band O-Town. Additionally, baseball player Jeffrey Lee "Jeff" Faulkner played for several Major League Baseball teams during his career from 1977 to 1985.

Genealogical research on the last name Faulkner

The Faulkner surname is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Fótkonr, meaning "son of Fót." The earliest recorded instance of the name in England dates back to the 13th century. Notable figures with the Faulkner surname include Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, known for his works set in the fictional Yoknapatawpha County. Another prominent Faulkner is John Howard Faulkner, who served as the 31st Governor of Tennessee. The name has also been recorded in Ireland and Scotland, possibly due to Viking invasions. Today, the highest concentration of Faulkners can be found in the United States, particularly in states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Fau adsi

Last name • surnames > fau-adsi

The last name "Fau Adsi" does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it may be a rare or unique surname with a more specific regio...

#2 Faubel

Last name • surnames > faubel

The surname Faubel is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "faber," meaning "smith" or "metalworker." The surname was often given to individuals who were skille...

#3 Fauchelle

Last name • surnames > fauchelle

The last name "Fauchelle" originates from France. It is derived from the French word "faucher," meaning to mow or reap. The name may have originally been a occupational surname for...

#4 Faucher

Last name • surnames > faucher

The surname Faucher has French origins. It is derived from the Old French word "faucon" which means falcon. The name was often given to someone who was a falconer or someone who li...

#5 Faucheux

Last name • surnames > faucheux

The last name Faucheux is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "faucher," which means "to mow" or "to reap." It may have originally been a occupational surname ...

#6 Faud

Last name • surnames > faud

The origin of the last name "Faud" is likely German or French. In German, it may have originated as a shortened form of the name "Faudel," which is a variant of the name "Fondel," ...

#7 Faudot

Last name • surnames > faudot

The last name Faudot is of French origin. It is a surname derived from the Old French word "fau" meaning "false" or "gullible," and the suffix "-ot" which is a diminutive or endear...

#8 Fauf

Last name • surnames > fauf

The last name Fauf is of German origin. It is likely derived from a personal name or nickname that means "diligent" or "industrious."

#9 Faugier

Last name • surnames > faugier

The surname Faugier is a French name that originated from various locations in France. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "faugièr," which means "firebrand" or "torchbearer."...

#10 Faujdar mahto

Last name • surnames > faujdar-mahto

The last name "Faujdar Mahto" originated in India. "Faujdar" is a title used historically by military or government officials, while "Mahto" is a surname commonly used by people be...

#11 Fauldeen

Last name • surnames > fauldeen

The last name "Fauldeen" is of Norwegian origin. It is a variation of the surname "Faulin," which is derived from the Old Norse name "Falinn," meaning "falcon."

#12 Faundez

Last name • surnames > faundez

The surname Faundez is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Old Castilian word "fondar," which means to found or establish. It was often used as a nickname for someone who fou...

#13 Faunillo

Last name • surnames > faunillo

The last name "Faunillo" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "fauna," which has Latin roots and refers to the animals characteristic of a particular region, and the s...

#14 Faupk

Last name • surnames > faupk

The last name Faupk appears to be of unknown origin or does not have a specific meaning in English. It is possible that it is a rare or uncommon surname.

#15 Faura

Last name • surnames > faura

The surname "Faura" has its roots in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is derived from the Latin word "furnus," meaning "furnace," and was likely given to a blacksmith ...