Surname Fowler - Meaning and Origin
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Deep Diving into my Familial Roots: A Fascinating Fowler Saga Unveiled via iGENEA DNA Analysis
Embarking on a discovery journey via iGENEA, I delved into the origins of my family name - Fowler, learning about its occupational roots and migration patterns. Illuminating unexpected links to Celtic and Germanic tribes while tracing my maternal lineage was an insightful and enriching heritage exploration.
A. Fowler
read moreFowler: What does the surname Fowler mean?
The surname Fowler predominantly originated from England and Ireland and is derived from an Old English profession-based term 'fugelere,' which translates to 'bird-catcher.' It was used to refer to someone who hunted and trapped wild birds for a living. Thus, the Fowler surname refers to a family that historically were bird catchers. Over time, the occupation's spelling evolved from 'fugelere' to 'fowler.' Like many occupational surnames, the name likely started being used to distinguish individuals with the same first name, eventually becoming a hereditary surname. It is one of the earliest established surnames, dating back to early medieval times in England. There are several variants of the name Fowler, such as Fouler or Fowle. Noteworthy bearers of the surname include American theologian and educationist O.S. Fowler, and Thomas Fowler, an English inventor, who invented the thermosiphon.
Order DNA origin analysisFowler: Where does the name Fowler come from?
The last name Fowler is of English origin and it originally referred to a person who was a bird-catcher, derived from the Old English "fugelere." This occupation was particularly connected with capturing wild birds for the purpose of consumption in large houses and manors. The surname Fowler appeared in written records as early as the 12th century in England.
Today, the surname Fowler is common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it's most prevalent in California, Texas, and Florida. In England, it's commonly found in Yorkshire. It's important to note that the presence of the surname in these regions doesn't necessarily imply ancestral ties to the regions, as the surname may have dispersed due to various instances of migration and colonization. It is also worth mentioning that Fowler is the 333rd most common surname in the United States as per the 2000 U.S. Census.
Variations of the surname Fowler
The surname Fowler probably originated from a bird catcher, as the Old English "fugelere" was used to denote a bird hunter or trapper. The name might suggest an ancestor's vocation or draw from the landscapes or industries prevalent in their region.
In terms of variations, these can occur because of many reasons. Mistakes made in translations, different dialects and languages, and even simple spelling mistakes can result in slightly different surnames. In the case of the name Fowler, various spelling variants include Fowlar, Foular, Foweler, Foweller, and Fowlare.
This surname has also been adjusted and localised in different cultures and locations, for instance, the German name Vogler shares the same occupation-related meaning.
As for distribution, it’s most commonly found in the United States, England, and Australia, and seen to a lesser extent in Canada and Scotland. Notably, renowned people with this surname include professional golfer Rickie Fowler and American author Karen Joy Fowler.
Surnames can reveal intriguing information about our ancestors' lives, professions, and characteristics. Yet, they may also undergo different iterations depending upon linguistic and regional influences.
Famous people with the name Fowler
- Rickie Fowler: Known for his professional golf career, Rickie Fowler is one of the most popular figures in global golf.
- Robbie Fowler: A former professional footballer who is one of the most celebrated players from England.
- Kevin Fowler: A famous American singer known for his contribution to the country music scene.
- Karen Joy Fowler: An American author of science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. Known for her best-selling novel "The Jane Austen Book Club".
- Christopher Fowler: A British author known for his thriller and crime genres.
- Samantha "Peaches" Fowler: A character in the comic strip "Gasoline Alley".
- Mark Fowler: A fictional character in a British television show called EastEnders.
- Graeme Fowler: An English former cricketer who is now a cricket broadcaster and mental health activist.
- John Fowler: Was an English engineer who is best known for developing the steam-hauled ploughing engines.
- Bernard Fowler: An American musician. He has provided background vocals for The Rolling Stones for over 30 years. Please note that some entries include characters named Fowler for a comprehensive list.