Surname Taverner - Meaning and Origin

Taverner: What does the surname Taverner mean?

The surname Taverner is of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English term 'taverner', which translates to 'tavern keeper'. Therefore, this last name likely originally signified an individual who owned, managed, or worked in a tavern. This symbolizes a history in hospitality or alcohol production or distribution. Occupational surnames were commonly given in the middle ages in England, usually based on a person's job or trade. Thus, someone originally named Taverner likely had an ancestor who was a tavern operator. Like many last names, over time, the original occupational meaning has likely become less significant for the individuals carrying this surname. This surname can be found in various parts of the world, often in regions with historical English influence.

Taverner: Where does the name Taverner come from?

The last name Taverner is largely found in and around the East Anglia region of England and in Europe. In England, the name is particularly common in and around Norfolk and Suffolk, including the towns of Norwich, Wisbech, and Lowestoft. It is believed that the family originated in that area of England during the Middle Ages.

Taverner is also a common last name in French-speaking countries of Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec. It is known to be a very old and respected name in the area. In France, the name is fairly widespread in and around Paris.

The Taverner name is present in the United States, too. Records show that the first hoteliers in America were named Thomas Taverner Junior, John Taverner, and William Taverner, all of whom arrived in New York during the 17th century. Since then, the Taverner name has spread to nearly every state in the country.

Although it is difficult to determine exact numbers, it is likely that the Taverner name is present in some form in all of the above countries. As such, it is safe to assume that the last name Taverner is fairly common today.

Variations of the surname Taverner

The Taverner surname originated in England and has a number of variants, including Tawner, Tadder, and Teveron. Some surnames of similar origin and spelling but with a different meaning include Tannor and Tavernor.

The original spelling of the Taverner surname was Tevanor, derived from the medieval occupation of a tavern keeper. This is thought to come from the Old English word ‘teow’, meaning ‘table’, suggesting that it was used for people who ran an ale house.

The surname Tenery has also been linked with the Taverner name, as it is thought to be derived from the French ‘tievery’, which refers to a tiler, or roof maker. This could suggest that at some point in history, the name was used to describe those who made roofs for taverns or alehouses.

As time passed, the spelling of the surname evolved to its current form. Variants of the Taverner name can be found throughout the world, including Tawerner, Taviner, Tawener, Tawner, Teveron and Taner. It can also be spelt differently due to regional dialects, such as Tevner in Lancashire and Tevanor in Oxfordshire.

Despite its various spellings, all these names are linked in their origin, and all refer to someone with ties to the alehouse and tavern trade.

Famous people with the name Taverner

• John Taverner (c.1490-1545): English composer of church and secular music during the Tudor period.
• Samuel Taverner (1739-1809): English theologian and a Hebrew scholar.
• Geoff Taverner (1919-2006): British professional golfer who won the Southern Professional Championship in 1952.
• Jack Taverner (1927-2003): English classical guitarist and composer, and founder of the English Guitar Quartet.
• Steve Taverner (born 1982): English former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Bristol City, Stoke City and Port Vale.
• Alexander Taverner (1899-1968): British Royal Navy sailor who served in World War II.
• James Taverner (1790-1883): English Anglican clergyman, scholar and author.
• Nico Taverner (born 1987): French rugby union footballer.
• Francis Taverner (1510-1575): English printer and bookseller who published works by such authors as Christopher Marlowe and John Lydgate.
• Hermione Taverner (1883-1972): English suffragette who was one of the first women to be elected to local government, serving on the Fleetwood Council in 1909.

Other surnames

Tavernier