Surname Flattery - Meaning and Origin
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Flattery: What does the surname Flattery mean?
The last name Flattery is of Anglo-Norman origin and is derived from the Old French verb "flamatradier," which roughly translates to "to flatter or to compliment."
The name was likely given to someone who was especially generous or flattering in their words and deeds. Consequently, the surname itself became an expression of those same traits and is still associated with kindness and charm today.
The origin of the Flattery name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when they were first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It's believed that the name was brought to Britain by William the Conqueror in 1066 and then dispersed throughout England and Ireland.
Given its origin, this family name is likely found all over the world today, and it still holds the same connotation of being kind and generous. It is often used as a sign of respect to describe someone's mannerisms and behavior in everyday life.
People with the last name Flattery often adopt a strong sense of pride in their ancestry, feeling connected to their Norman roots and proud of the kindhearted values associated with this surname.
Overall, the last name Flattery can be interpreted as embodying the ideals of politeness, generosity, and graciousness—all of which are commendable qualities to possess.
Order DNA origin analysisFlattery: Where does the name Flattery come from?
The last name Flattery is most common today in the United States and Canada. According to records from the US Census Bureau, the Flattery surname is ranked as the 9,949th most commonly found name in the United States. In the Canada Census, the Flattery name is ranked at 2,702.
The Flattery surname is of Irish origin, and mainly found in County Roscommon in the west of Ireland. The original meaning of the surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Flaitheartaigh, which is from the adjective “flaith”, meaning “noble” or “flittal” meaning “pleasant”.
Immigrant versions of the Flattery name are also found in the United Kingdom and Australia, with most versions deriving from Irish immigration. The Flattery surname can also be found in Scotland as a result of migration from the Northern Irish Circe of Ulster.
The concentration of Flattery families in the US is mostly clustered in the states of New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. The cities in which the surname is most common in the US are Portland, Maine; Albany, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois.
In Canada, the most population of Flatterys are within Ontario and Quebec, although smaller groups (usually descendants of previously migrated Flatterys) can be found all over the nation.
Today, the Flattery surname is increasingly popular worldwide, with its Irish roots making it a common surname worldwide.
Variations of the surname Flattery
The surname Flattery has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The variants include Flatery, Flatterer, Flattery, and Flatter. The spellings of Flattery are commonly seen as Floodery, Fleteri, Flatery, Flatterie, Fletery, Flaterye, Flatteery, and Flattery.
The names of O'Flearty and O'Flaherty are both Anglicised variants of the Irish surname Ó Flaitheartaí, which originated from the old Irish personal name Flaithbheartach. The name translates as a “leader who rules through principles of truth and justice”.
The English surname Flattery is derived from the Middle English word "flatur", meaning "flattery" or "applied praise". It is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was a charismatic flatterer or praiser and is an occupational name for someone who practiced flattery and insincere complimentary behaviour.
Other Irish surnames such as Fladger, Felty, Fleader, Fletery, Fletry, and McLattery, are similar surnames with the same origin. There is also the variant spelling of Fleatry, which is a surname now common in England and Wales.
Lastly, the Anglicised spelling of Flattery is also seen in an Irish form with the variation of O’Flederty, which is derived from the Gaelic Ó Flaitheartaí.
Famous people with the name Flattery
- Jack Flattery: famous Hollywood actor and star of the popular sitcom Friends.
- Chloe Flattery: international model, former Victoria’s Secret Angel, and Victoria’s Secret fashion show performer.
- William Flattery: Emmy Award winning comedian and actor.
- Dean Flattery: former professional basketball player and Memphis Grizzlies coach.
- Derek Flattery: professional football player, four-time Pro Bowl Selection, and two-time Super Bowl Champion.
- Luke Flattery: Grammy Award nominated singer and songwriter.
- Brent Flattery: renowned sculptor whose work can be seen in museums around the world.
- Josie Flattery: well-known country music singer and songwriter.
- Patrick Flattery: award-winning writer and playwright.
- Amanda Flattery: award-winning scientist and environmental activist.