Turner

Occupational

Meaning

A craftsman who shapes wood or other materials on a lathe, creating rounded objects.

Etymology

From Old French 'tourner,' derived from Latin 'tornare' meaning 'to turn.' The occupation involved using a lathe to create wooden vessels, furniture, and decorative items.

About the Turner Surname

Turner is a well-established occupational surname representing skilled craftsmen who used lathes to create wooden goods. The surname reflects the importance of turned woodwork in medieval and early modern households.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 680,000 bearers in the United States #108 most common surname
Rare Common

Common throughout England and widespread in North America, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.

Turner Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

People with the Turner Surname