Surname Fletcher - Meaning and Origin

Fletcher: What does the surname Fletcher mean?

The surname Fletcher is of English origin and dates back to the time of Middle Ages. The name is an occupational one, deriving from the Old French word "fleche," meaning arrow, and the suffix "er," indicating an occupation. Thus, a Fletcher was the name given to a person who made or sold arrows. During the Middle Ages, every village in England required a Fletcher, as arrows were a crucial part of warfare and hunting, making this a vital profession. Over time, it became a surname passed down through generations. Prominent families bearing the surname Fletcher can be found throughout England’s history. It's also popular in regions like North America, Australia, and New Zealand, due to English exploration, trade, and colonization.

Fletcher: Where does the name Fletcher come from?

The surname Fletcher is derived from the Old French word "flechier," meaning makers of arrows or arrow smith, and was originally an occupational name. The practice of using occupational names as surnames was common in Europe during the Middle Ages. English households that specialized in fletching, the art of making arrows, were given this surname.

Fletcher became a common surname in England, particularly in the regions of Yorkshire and Lancashire. While it is still common in the United Kingdom today, due to historic patterns of emigration, the name has also proliferated in other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, according to census data, it is more commonly found in the Southeastern states.

Variations of the surname Fletcher

Fletcher is a surname of English origin that literally means "arrow maker," derived from the Middle English word "flecchere." It has a few variants including Fletch, Fledger, Flecher, and Fletscher. Spelling variations could also include Flechter, Flexher, and Fleetcher.

It's worth mentioning that spelling variations often occurred due to a lack of standardized rules for spelling in past centuries. Therefore, the name was often recorded based on how it sounded to whoever was writing it, leading to discrepancies and variations.

The name spread across regions and countries, forming different versions. In Scotland, the name could be found as Mac an Fhleisteir, which means son of the arrow maker.

The surname has also been anglicized from the German name Fleischer or the Ashkenazi Jewish occupational name Fleisher which means 'butcher' but these are of a different lineage and origin.

Names with similar meanings related to arrow making or the broader field of archery, such as Arrowmaker or Bowyer, might be considered related although they don't directly shared ancestry with the Fletcher surname.

Famous people with the name Fletcher

• Louise Fletcher: An American actress best known for her Academy Award-winning role in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest".
• Terell Fletcher: A former American football player in the NFL and current pastor.
• Dexter Fletcher: An English actor who also directed movies like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Rocketman".
• Jessica Fletcher: The main character of the mystery television show "Murder, She Wrote", played by Angela Lansbury.
• Brendan Fletcher: A Canadian actor known for diverse roles in independent films and mainstream blockbusters.
• Guy Fletcher: A British musician, most famous as member of Dire Straits and later with Mark Knopfler's solo band.
• Andrew Fletcher: A member of the band Depeche Mode.
• Tom Fletcher: A British musician from the band McFly.
• Kimberley Fletcher: A British historian and Women’s Institute trustee.
• Darleen Fletcher: A former basketball player and coach at Indiana University.
• Liz Fletcher: An English jazz singer.
• Harley Jane Fletcher: An American actress known for her eclectic filmography.
• Andy Fletcher: An American professional basketball referee in the NBA.
• Simon Fletcher: A retired American football player who played for Denver Broncos in the NFL.
• Iris Fletcher: A fictional character in television series "90210".

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