Surname Gardener - Meaning and Origin

Gardener: What does the surname Gardener mean?

The last name Gardener is of English and Irish origin and is an occupational name derived from the term ‘gardener’. The word ‘gardener’ means one who works in a garden, tending to and cultivating the land. This could refer to someone who works in a field, or a gardener in the literal sense, someone who works in a garden.

In some cases, the name may be derived from the Middle English term ‘geardener’, which means a fence or boundary maker. This could be referring to someone who took on the occupation of making fences to designate the boundaries of land parcels owned by those within the community.

As an occupational name, a Gardener could have originated from someone who held one or both of these positions within the community. For instance, those in rural areas may have had a need to build fences to protect their property and have employed someone to build them. Alternatively, large landowning families may have employed a gardener to cultivate the land and ensure it was well kept.

When surnames came into use, these occupations were used to form the basis of the last name Gardener. This name is found predominantly in the British Isles and countries such as Canada and the United States, where people of British or Irish descent hold the name.

Gardener: Where does the name Gardener come from?

The last name Gardener is most common in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States. The 2020 United States census data indicates that the last name Gardner is the 130th most common name in the country.

In the United Kingdom, Gardner is the 305th most common surname, and the most frequent spelling variation is Gardner. In Canada, the Gardner surname is the 554th most common, followed by Gardener as 579th.

The surname is also common in other English-speaking countries. In Australia, Gardener is the 962nd most commonly held last name, while in New Zealand, it's the 422nd. In Scotland, it's the 295th most popular surname, and in Ireland, it's the 342nd.

In other countries, the surname Gardener is rare. According to the 2020 Global Population Statistics, it's the 11,804th most common surname in France.

From its origin to its current popularity, Gardner's a surname that's been around for centuries. It is derived from an occupation and originates from the Old English words gafol (tax) and gerefa (steward, or official).

The spelling variation Gardner is related to the French word jardinier, meaning gardener, and the possible origin of the Gardner surname in English. The surname is associated with one who tended a garden as part of their profession or through living near a walled garden. Over time, it's been adopted as a last name by families, and the Gardner surname has become popular throughout the English-speaking world.

Variations of the surname Gardener

The surname Gardener is a patronymic name, derived from the occupation of the same name. It is most commonly spelled as 'Gardener', but there are several variations of the name, including Gardner, Gardiner, Gardsman, Gardson, Garton, Gardener, Gartner, Gardiner, Gardener, Garter, Gartson, Gardener, Gartner, Gaudi, Gauner, and Gardzil.

The spelling Gardner is the most common variation of the surname. It is believed to have originated in England during medieval times. This spelling is still found in many parts of the United Kingdom, especially in the north and the Midlands.

Gardiner is another very common variation of the name. This spelling is believed to have originated in Scotland, most likely in the Lowlands region. It is also common in Ireland, where the Gaelic version of the surname is Mac an Ghearrdha.

Gardsman is a variation used almost exclusively in the United States. This spelling may be derived from the Dutch language, perhaps an adaptation of the Dutch surname Gardemann.

Gartsman, Gartsen, Garton, Garthman, Gartson, Gardiner, Gartner, Gardener, Garter and Gartener are all alternative variations of the Gardener surname found mainly in the United States.

Finally, Gaudi and Gauner are variations found almost exclusively in Germany. These two spellings may have derived from the Germanic name Gaudo, meaning stout or brave, or from the regional variations of the German given name Johannes, from which the name is ultimately derived.

Famous people with the name Gardener

• Alison Gardener: English television presenter, model and fashion designer.
• Cole Gardener: American professional basketball player.
• Duncan Gardener: British painter, mainly of landscapes and portraits.
• Hugh Gardener: British field hockey player, who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
• James Gardener: Australian Rugby Union player.
• John Gardener: Scottish mountaineer, climber and outdoor writer who wrote over 40 books and articles.
• Leslie Gardener: American Major League Baseball pitcher who played one game for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1931.
• Leslie Gardener: Frontman of the British pop duo Right Said Fred.
• Mark Gardener: English singer and former frontman of the Oxfordshire-based shoegazing band Ride.
• Michael Gardener: American film director and producer.
• Reginald Gardener: British amateur cyclist who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.
• Serena Gardener: British actress best known for her roles on the British sitcoms no favourites! and My Family.
• Steven Gardener: American professional basketball player.
• Thomas Gardener: Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
• Tracy Gardener: American musician, singer and songwriter.

Other surnames

GardenGardenner