Surname Trotter - Meaning and Origin

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V. Trotter

Trotter: What does the surname Trotter mean?

The surname Trotter is of Scottish and English origin and is derived from the Middle English term "trot(e)", meaning "to walk briskly or swiftly." It was often used as a nickname for a messenger or courier, who might have had to travel quickly on foot or horseback. Alternatively, it may have been used as an occupational surname for a professional tumbler or acrobat, seeming to 'trot' in the air. The name could also be derived from the old Norman French word "trotier," another occupational name for a professional walker or runner. So, the surname Trotter generally relates to occupations or characteristics involving agility and swift movement. The Trotter family crest depicts three boar heads, symbolizing courage, ferocity, and strength. The surname is most prevalent in the United States and Scotland but also has significant concentrations in England and Australia.

Trotter: Where does the name Trotter come from?

The last name Trotter is not a particularly common surname, but it has a fairly international presence. It is most commonly seen in England, but there are also a number of Trotters living in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It appears to be a very old surname, as there is evidence of it in records from the 11th century.

In England, it appears that the name is concentrated in the Midlands and the North West of the country. The largest clusters of Trotters can be found in Lancashire and London. It’s possible that the name originated in Scotland, as there are records of Trotters in Scotland as far back as the 16th century.

In the United States, Trotter is most commonly found in the states of Arkansas and North Carolina, although there are also smaller numbers in South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. There are also Trotters living in other countries in North and South America, including Mexico, Brazil, and Chile.

In Canada, Trotter is most often found in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia.

In Australia, Trotter appears to have been present since the late 19th century, although it is not particularly common today. It is more common in the larger cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Overall, Trotter is not a particularly frequent name, but it can be found in a number of countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Trotter

The surname Trotter has a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most well-known spelling is ‘Trotter’ but there are also other varieties, including: Trottier, Trotair, Trotear, Troteir, Troter, Trautheir and Trauthier. The French variants are ‘Trouver’ and ‘Trouveur’.

The surname ‘Trotter’ has a long history in the United Kingdom, as it was one of the five most common surnames in England before 1860. It appears to have originated in Northern England and traces its roots to a Norman family who settled there in the 12th century.

In Scotland the variants, spellings and other surnames related to Trotter include: Trotar, Trotear, Trautier and Trauthier. They were all popular surnames before 1860.

The surname Trotter and its variants are also found in Germany, where the variants ‘Trautheir’ and ‘Trauthier’ are more common. The German variants can also be found in many parts of the United States, as well as in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Trotter surname can also be found in France, as well as in many other parts of the world. It is sometimes written as ‘Trouver’ or ‘Trouveur’, but it typically has the same meaning as Trotter or its variants in other languages.

Famous people with the name Trotter

• Danny John-Jules: British actor, best known for the role of Cat in the BBC sitcom ‘Red Dwarf’
• Darren Trotter: Irish film and television director, producer and screenwriter
• Jennifer Saunders: British comedian, writer and actress, best known for the sitcom ‘Absolutely Fabulous’
• Tony Trotter: British actor and presenter, best known for his role as Robbie in ‘Byker Grove’
• Jason Trotter: American professional ice hockey player
• David Trotter: English novelist
• Vivian Trotter: British actor, best known for the role of Masterman in the television series ‘Wish Me Luck’ and as Ricky Howard in ‘The Brittas Empire’
• Christopher Trotter: British military historian and author
• Barry Trotter: author and parody of the Harry Potter novels
• Charles Trotter: American chef, restaurateur, author and television personality

Other surnames

TrottTrottier