Last Name Turner

The surname Turner has Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from a nickname for a tapester or one who turned dyed cloth on a pole, known as a turner in Old English. The Old English word 'to turnan' means 'to turn'. This occupational name was common among the Flemish weavers who immigrated to England in the Middle Ages. An early reference of the surname Turner can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a landholder named Turstin is recorded. The surname Turner is also present in various spellings such as Turnour, Turnbull, and Turpin, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Turner

The meaning and origin of the last name Turner

The surname Turner is an occupational name of Old English origin, derived from the occupation of a "turner" or "lathe-worker." A turner was a craftsman who shaped wood or metal on a lathe to produce various items such as wheels, barrel staves, and decorative objects. The term "turner" evolved from the Old English word "tornier," meaning "one who turns."

The surname Turner first appeared in England during the Middle Ages. It was common among artisans and tradesmen, as many families adopted occupational names to distinguish themselves from others with similar-sounding names. The name is particularly prevalent in southeastern England, where the craft of turning was well-established.

Over time, the surname Turner spread throughout Europe and eventually reached America during the colonial era, where many Turners immigrated seeking religious freedom or economic opportunities. Today, Turner is a widespread surname with significant populations in various parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Canada.

Geographical distribution of the last name Turner

The surname Turner is of Old English origin, derived from the occupational name for a maker of turning lathes, or a nickname for someone who was nimble or agile, as in the act of turning. Today, the distribution of the last name Turner is widespread across various regions due to historical migrations and settlement patterns. It is particularly common in English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and its former colonies like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames. In Europe, Turner can also be found in countries with historical ties to Britain, such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. However, due to global migrations over centuries, Turners can now be found in many parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Turner

The surname Turner has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variants include Turnar, Turner, Tyndal, Tuner, Touneau, de Turner, Turnour, de Tonnerre, Turnbull, Turnell, and Turney. These variations often stem from geographical regions or changes in family lineage. For example, the Scottish surname Turnbull is derived from the Gaelic "Mac an t-Searrach," meaning "son of the tailor." The Norman name de Tonnerre originated from Tonnerre, a city in France. It's important to note that these variations may not necessarily be interchangeable, as they often represent distinct family lineages or regional origins.

Famous people with the last name Turner

Notable individuals with the surname Turner include:

1. J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), an English Romantic painter known for his vivid and evocative seascapes and landscapes. He is often considered one of the greatest British painters of all time.

2. Tina Turner (1939-), an American-born singer, actress, and songwriter who rose to fame as part of the music duo Ike & Tina Turner in the 1960s. She later enjoyed a successful solo career and is often referred to as The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.

3. Frederick Jack Turner (1861-1932), an American geographer who is considered the father of human ecology. He developed the concept of the frontier in American history.

4. Anna Turner (1906-1971), a British actress known for her work in theater, film, and television, including roles in films like "Brief Encounter" and "The Third Man."

5. Mark Turner (born 1965), an American jazz saxophonist and composer who has worked with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Dave Douglas, and the SF Jazz Collective.

These individuals have made significant contributions to art, music, geography, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Turner

The surname Turner is of Old English origin, derived from the occupation of a "turner," a craftsman who shapes wood or metal on a lathe. The Turner family has a significant history in England and can be traced back to the medieval period. One notable early member was Richard Turner, a 14th-century turner and architect who worked on Westminster Abbey and other prominent structures in London.

Turners migrated to North America with the first English settlers, with records of Turners arriving in Virginia as early as 1623. The name is common throughout the United States, particularly in the South and Midwest, due to these early migrations. In Canada, Turner was among the first families to settle in Nova Scotia in 1750.

Turner is also a prominent surname in Ireland, where it is thought to be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic O Tuama or Mac Tomainn. The name spread throughout Ireland and Scotland due to historical events such as the Norman invasion and the Plantation of Ulster. Today, Turners can be found worldwide, with significant populations in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting the global migrations of people with this surname over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Turner"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends