Skinner

Occupational

Meaning

A person who removes and processes animal hides and skins for leather production.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'skinn' and the agent suffix '-er,' referring to one who works with animal skins. The surname originated in medieval England when leather-working was a crucial craft.

About the Skinner Surname

Skinner was an occupational surname for craftspeople engaged in the leather trade, specifically those who processed animal hides. The profession was essential for producing leather goods, armor, and clothing throughout the medieval and early modern periods.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 189,000 bearers in the United States #258 most common surname
Rare Common

Widespread across England and common in English-speaking countries, with notable populations in North America and Australia.

Skinner Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

People with the Skinner Surname