Surname Findlater - Meaning and Origin
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Findlater: What does the surname Findlater mean?
The last name Findlater is a Scottish surname that is derived from a region in Scotland known as Fife. The name is composed of two parts, with the "Find" element referring to the county of Fife and the "later" element referring to marshland. The name is thus indicative of an individual who hailed from a marshy area in the county of Fife.
The name was common throughout Scotland, as it was used to refer to people who had originated from Fife. It was likely used as a surname to distinguish individuals from the same regions, as well as to help track people's genealogical histories.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the surname spread across Scotland, with the associated individuals frequently involved in trading and commerce. The Findlaters were known for their involvement in the lucrative fishing industry in Scotland, while explored opportunities in banking and military affairs as well. Additionally, many Findlaters settled in Canada; where some descendants can still be found today.
The meaning of the surname Findlater is still associated with the marshy area of Fife. Despite the varied activities and occupations of individuals who once bore the name, they all once shared a common origin in Fife. Families that bear the surname today may not have direct ties to the area, yet the name still carries an indication of a Scottish heritage, as well as a reminder of where the name itself first originated.
Order DNA origin analysisFindlater: Where does the name Findlater come from?
The last name Findlater is most commonly found in Scotland and its surrounding islands. The origin of the last name is thought to be from Ancient Scotland, and is most commonly found within the western highlands of the country.
Findlater is often found within modern communities in small towns and villages, with a large number of Findlater’s being found in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This area offers a certain sense of community, and it is said that many of the Findlater’s were part of traditional Highland clans, which has linked them to the land and the culture for hundreds of years.
The name also has spread within the wider United Kingdom and around the world, as many Findlater’s emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia and other parts of the world during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, the most famous bearer of the name is General Sir John Findlater, who commanded Allied Forces in France during WW1. The Findlater name is also found in various capacities within engineering and business, specifically within Scotland.
Variations of the surname Findlater
The surname Findlater originates from the Scottish name 'finlaggan', denoting a small island near Islay. In its original form, the surname was pronounced finlay-gun. Over the years however, several variants have come into use, which include Finlayson, Findlay, Findley, Findleyson, Findlayson, Finlison, and Finlayson.
The most common spelling of Findlater today is without the ‘t’ at the end. It is usually seen as Finlayson, Findlay, Findley, or Findlayson. A less-frequent spelling is Findlat(t)er.
In Scotland, most Findlaters originate from Dumbartonshire, Inverness, Bute, and the Highlands. Other spellings of the name are associated with different parts of the country. Finlaysons originated from the Isle Ornsay near the Isle of Skye, while Findleysons were more widely found in Perthshire.
When coming to North America, most Findlater families originally settled in the Atlantic colonies (Newfoundland, Canada and the United States). Upon arriving there, Finlayson and Findleyson families switched to the more standard spelling of Findlater.
The most widespread and popular variant of Findlater and its variations is the Findlay spelling, used by over 800,000 people worldwide. Alternate spellings such as Findlay, Finlayson, Findley, Finley, and other variations are found in much lower numbers.
The origin of the Findlater name is uncertain, but the most popular theory is that it is derived from the Gaelic words 'finnegan' and 'laggan', meaning 'meadow' and 'enclosure' respectively. Findlater is the anglicization of 'finlaggan', which may reflect a topographical feature in Britain and Europe.
Famous people with the name Findlater
- Richard Findlater: Businessman, entrepreneur, and investor.
- Malcolm Findlater: Rugby union and rugby league player.
- Peter Findlater: Scottish footballer.
- Robert Findlater: Australian missionary.
- Reuben Findlater: Rugby league player.
- Hugh Findlater: Former director of air operations for the British Royal Air Force.
- Bronwyn Findlater: Helicopter pilot and former Royal Australian Navy aviator.
- Rani Findlater: Former Chancellor of Victoria University.
- Steve Findlater: Former professional ice hockey player.
- Kerri Findlater: Professional golfer.
- Ash Findlater: Professional cricketer.
- June Findlater: Former Scottish athlete.
- Estelle Findlater: British actress.
- Bernard Findlater: Actor and composer.
- David Findlater– Commander of the British Royal Navy during World War II.
- Syd Findlater: actor and screenwriter.
- William Findlater– Australian military officer.
- Joseph Findlater: Canadian engineer and inventor.
- Rob Findlater– Australian actor, producer, and director.
- Larry Findlater– American artist and sculptor.