Surname Falconer - Meaning and Origin

Falconer: What does the surname Falconer mean?

The surname Falconer originates from the Medieval profession of falconry, where people trained falcons to hunt. The name was given to one who cared for and trained falcons belonging to a king or nobleman, which was connotated as a position of high regard in medieval Europe. The occupation was not only considered prestigious but also required significant skill and knowledge about the behavior and care of these birds. Falconer as a surname first appeared in Scotland in the 12th century. This surname is both a locational and occupational name and it is spread across various parts of the world today, following the paths of migration and colonization over the centuries. The Falconer family motto is "Vive ut vivas", a Latin phrase meaning "Live that you may live forever".

Falconer: Where does the name Falconer come from?

The last name Falconer is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old French word "fauconier," which translates to "falconer." Falconers were individuals who trained falcons and other birds of prey for hunting, a highly regarded profession during the medieval era. This surname became hereditary and first established roots in the Scottish and English regions, indicating that the original bearer of the name may have been a falconer by trade.

Today, the last name Falconer continues to be prominent in the United Kingdom, more specifically in Scotland. You can also find individuals with this last name in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The spread to these countries was largely as a result of Scottish and English emigration throughout the centuries. Despite its global distribution, Falconer remains most common in its place of origin, the UK.

Variations of the surname Falconer

The surname Falconer primarily originates from Scotland. It is derived from an occupational name for someone who bred and trained falcons, a highly valued activity during the Middle Ages. Variants of the surname Falconer include Falconner, Faulkner, Fulker, Fulkner, Fulkerson, Folkner, Faulkenberg, and Fokkens.

There are also commonly found alternative spellings such as Falkner, Falkener, Falckner, and Faulconer. Similarly, Fauconer and Falconnier are seen in French-derived variants, while Falco is its Italian version.

Notably, the surname Falconer can also be found as a Sept (sub-division) of the Scottish Clan Keith. In regions where Gaelic was spoken, it can exist in the form of "Fiolair."

Honoring the tradition of the evolution of surnames based on phonetics and regional accents, Faulconier and Faulknier could also be considered variants. It's also worth mentioning that many of these variants may have evolved into surnames in their own right over the centuries and may not always signify a direct lineage from the Falconer family.

Famous people with the name Falconer

• Colin Falconer: Famous British author known for his historical fiction novels.
• Ian Falconer: Renowned children's book author, famous for the “Olivia” series.
• Tim Falconer: An acclaimed Canadian journalist and author who published several non-fiction books.
• Helen Falconer: A British author known for her novel “The Changeling”.
• Gavin Falconer: A Scottish footballer who played professionally in the 1980s.
• Andrew Falconer: A well-regarded Canadian actor.
• Robert Falconer: Known for his role as President of the University of Alberta.
• John Falconer: An English politician who was member of the British Parliament.
• Phil Falconer: A Canadian ice hockey player from 1960s.
• Colin Falconer: An Australian television screenwriter.
• Mackenzie Falconer: Former British rugby union player.
• Harry Falconer: 19th-century British baseball player.
• Jess Falconer: Renowned New Zealand netball player.
• Roddy Falconer: An American singer and songwriter known in the 1980s.
• Elizabeth Falconer: An American koto player and composer.
• John Meade Falconer: A prominent British landscape painter of the 19th century.
• Robert Falconer Shelford: An English entomologist.

Other surnames

Falconberry