Surname Gardner - Meaning and Origin

Viking Blood in the Gardner Family: Revealing my Unexpected Ancestral Heritage through DNA Testing

The personal significance of my iGENEA DNA test has been profound, revealing unexpected Scandinavian roots that have reshaped my understanding of my Gardner surname and my family identity. This newfound connection to a diverse heritage has not only ignited my curiosity but also has instilled in me a sense of belonging and identity.

Z. Gardner

Gardner: What does the surname Gardner mean?

The surname Gardner has English and Scottish origins. It originated as an occupational name given to a gardener, derived from the Middle English 'gardinier'. The term 'gardinier' itself comes from the Old Northern French 'gardin', which means garden and the sufffix '-er' indicating a person who does a particular job. Therefore, the name identifies someone who maintained or managed a garden, typically owned by a noble or a monastery. The popularity of the name Gardner might be attributed, at least in part, to the importance of horticulture and garden maintenance during medieval times in England. Although it is initially an anglicized form of the French surname 'Le Jardinier', locals of Ireland or Scotland bearing this name may also have versions translated from Gaelic surnames; that is not commonly the case, though. Its variations include Gardiner, Gardenier, Gardinier and others. The name Gardner is widespread across English-speaking countries around the globe, with particular prevalence in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Gardner: Where does the name Gardner come from?

The surname Gardner is derived from the English occupation of a gardener. It's origin is Anglo-Saxon and the name signified someone who tended a garden or an orchard. During the middle ages, gardens were not merely sources of foods, but also of medicinal herbs, and flowers for aesthetic pleasure. Therefore, gardening was a very important occupation and Gardner became a commonplace surname across English-speaking populations.

Today, the surname Gardner is common in different parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland. It ranks as the 200th most common surname in the United States. Over time, there have been several variations in the spelling like Gairdner, and Gardiner among others. Despite these slight changes, the surname’s popularity amongst English-speaking populations has remained consistent over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Gardner

The surname Gardner originated from the Old French "gardinier" which means "gardener". Variations and alternative spellings of this surname include Gardiner, Gardener, Gardenier, Gartner, and Gaertner, among others. Some of these variants are the result of regional differences in spelling or pronunciation.

In terms of surnames of the same origin, it might also be connected to other occupational surnames related to gardening or cultivating plants. This could potentially include surnames like Orchard, Fields, or Farmer. The German variant "Gärtner" and the Dutch spelling "Gardenier" could also be considered surnames of the same origin, as they all essentially refer to the profession of gardening.

Furthermore, as names can undergo significant changes over time and between regions, numerous other variants could exist. Differences in language, dialect, and cultural influence can all contribute to diverse spellings and pronunciations, leading to the creation of numerous variations of the original surname.

Famous people with the name Gardner

• Ava Gardner: An American actress and singer, she was one of the most popular leading ladies during Hollywood's golden era.
• Erle Stanley Gardner: An American lawyer and author, he is best known for the Perry Mason series of detective stories.
• Helen Gardner: An American stage and silent film actress, producer and director in the early 20th century.
• Chris Gardner: An American businessman, investor, stockbroker, motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist.
• Martin Gardner: An American popular mathematics and popular science writer, with interests also encompassing scientific skepticism, micromagic, philosophy, religion, and literature.
• Rulon Gardner: An American former Greco-Roman Olympic champion wrestler.
• Joel Gardner: A former professional American football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL).
• Jake Gardner: An acclaimed American operatic baritone.
• John W. Gardner: An American educator and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson.
• Lisa Gardner: A bestselling American author of fiction.
• Tom Gardner: He is co-founder, along with his brother David, of The Motley Fool, a financial and investing advice company.
• David Gardner: An entrepreneur and co-founder of The Motley Fool.
• Eddie 'Guitar' Gardner: An American blues guitarist and singer.
• Richard Gardner: An American biologist and Nobel laureate.

Other surnames

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