Surname Saunders - Meaning and Origin

Deepening Understanding of the Saunders Lineage through iGENEA DNA Testing

Taking the DNA test from iGENEA proved to be a revelation, more than just validating my surname's historical links to England. It has expanded my understanding of the geographical dispersion and probable ancient Viking lineage for the Saunders family.

F. Saunders

Saunders: What does the surname Saunders mean?

The last name Saunders is of English and Scottish origin, derived from the medieval given name "Saundre", a vernacular form of "Alexander". It means "son of Alexander". Alexander is of Greek origin meaning "defender of men" or "protector of mankind". This name became popular due to Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia in the 4th century B.C., known for his extensive empire-building and military strategies. The surname Saunders may have also been used as a nickname or occupational name, referring to a person who serves at the sand, implying a server or steward. The varied spellings of the name include Sanders, Sandres, Sandars, and others. The name Saunders became common in Scotland and England during medieval times and was later carried to many other parts of the world through colonization, trade, and immigration.

Saunders: Where does the name Saunders come from?

The last name Saunders is used in many locations throughout the world today. It is particularly common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in other countries where people have ancestral ties to England and the United Kingdom.

Saunders is also a very popular surname in South Africa due to the British settlers who arrived there during the colonization of the region. Additionally, in recent years, the surname has become increasingly common in other parts of Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, due to the rise of the African diaspora in the United Kingdom and North America.

The last name has its origins in England. Records of the name date back to the Middle Ages, and it derived from the names of places such as "Saunder's Town" or “James’s Town”. The names often referenced a local landowner who held large areas around a town or settlement.

Immigration in the 17th and 18th centuries also opened up the opportunity for the Saunders surname to be taken abroad. The 19th century saw a substantial increase in the number of Saunders who had settled in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Today, the Saunders family name can be found in records in many parts of the world. It is highly likely you will have a distant relative living in one of the countries mentioned above.

Variations of the surname Saunders

The surname Saunders has several spellings and variants throughout history. While the exact origin of the surname is unclear, it is assumed to be derived from the Old French word “saundre,” meaning “furrier” or “tanner.” Thus, some of the earliest forms of the surname were actually occupational in nature. Over time, these occupational surnames were adopted as ancestry names, and variants and spellings emerged over the centuries.

The most common spelling variants of the surname Saunders include Sander, Saunder, Sanders, Saundersons, and Saunderson. Other spelling variations of the surname include Saunderz, Sanderson, and Sanderz. The surname also includes a variety of Latinized forms, such as Sandersius, Saunderi, and Sanderisto.

Some of the most common surnames of the same origin as Saunders include Saunder, Sanders, Sanderson, and Saunderson. Other surnames of the same origin include Sandys, Saundry, Sawders, and Sawndra. Some Scottish forms of the surname are Saundris, Sandri, and Saundres. In Ireland, the surnames Sanders and Sandres are also seen.

In conclusion, the surname Saunders has a variety of spellings and variants which can be traced to its original French origins. Contemporary surnames which are of the same origin as Saunders include Saunder, Sanders, Sanderson, and Saunderson. Other variants and spellings of the surname include Sander, Saunderz, Sandersius, Saunderi, Sanderisto, Sandys, Saundry, Sawders, Sawndra, Saundris, Sandri, and Saundres.

Famous people with the name Saunders

• Chuck Saunders: Canadian entertainer and actor
• Elmer Saunders: American football player
• Margaret Saunders: Canadian children's author
• Julian Saunders: English singer-songwriter and guitarist
• Henry Saunders: English actor
• Anna Saunders: American actress
• Michael Saunders: American baseball player
• Judy Saunders: American child actress
• Emma Saunders: British journalist and news presenter
• Alfred Saunders: English Liberal Party MP

Other surnames

Saunderson