All about the name
Turner
Male
« Turner is an English-origin unisex given name derived from the Middle English word 'turnere', meaning 'one who turns'. Historically an occupational name for fullers processing textiles, Turner has been used as a given name since the 19th century and gained popularity over time. »
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Meaning, origin, history
Turner is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Turner, which was originally an occupational name for a fuller, a person who processed wool or other textiles by pounding them with a heavy wooden club called a Fuller's bat.
The name Turner comes from the Middle English word "turnere," which means "one who turns." This refers to both the physical act of turning or twisting fibers during the process of fulling and also to the metaphorical idea of transforming raw materials into finished goods.
The use of Turner as a given name began in the 19th century, with its popularity increasing over time. It is now considered a unisex name, although it has been more commonly used for males historically.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Turner. These include:
* J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), an English Romantic painter known for his landscapes and seascapes.
* Tina Turner (born 1939), a American singer-songwriter and actress famous for hits like "Proud Mary" and "What's Love Got to Do with It."
* Ted Turner (born 1938), an American media proprietor, philanthropist, and founder of CNN.
While the name Turner may have different associations based on individual experiences or popular culture references, its origin and meaning remain rooted in English occupational history. As a given name, it has proven to be timeless and versatile, worn by individuals from various walks of life throughout history.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Turner since 1880
Total births
9,569
Total since 1880
Peak year
2019
246 births
in 2023
202
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+17%
↗
vs previous 5 years