Surname Frazer - Meaning and Origin

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R. Frazer

Frazer: What does the surname Frazer mean?

The last name Frazer is a Scottish surname that likely originated in the old Gaelic language of Scotland. The word “Frazer” likely comes from the Scottish Gaelic phrase “Mac Fhrisdeoir” meaning “son of the freeman” or “son of the Fraser”. The clan name Fraser is a derived from the Middle English word “Fraisse”, which was used to describe someone who would speak or act boldly and without caution. It was later transliterated into the Scots language as “Fresser” or “Frazer”, and later into the English as “Fraser”.

The Frasers were originally a Lowland clan from Aberdeenshire that spread north into the Highlands. They were a powerful family who held extensive land and made up the majority of eastern Scotland. Today, the Frasers are a very respected and influential family, with many branches all over the world.

The Frazer surname is a popular one in Scotland, with family tartans associated with specific Frazer clans. Because of their strong heritage and origins, the Frazers are steeped in Scottish history and culture and are highly esteemed by many Scots. Their renowned contribution to the country, and their ability to sustain their strong family identity, makes them an exemplary clan to emulate.

Frazer: Where does the name Frazer come from?

The surname Frazer is still found today in many parts of the world. It is particularly common in Britain and Ireland, where it is estimated to be one of the 50 most common surnames in the country. The exact origins of the name are disputed, however it is thought to have originated from a Scottish Highland clan named Fraser.

The Frazers are believed to have hailed from the central Scottish Lowlands, with the name already appearing in written records in medieval times. As with many names in British and Irish history, the family was originally Norman-French and was found predominantly along the lands of the Scottish and English borders.

Today, the surname Frazer continues to be widely found across the United Kingdom, including in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In addition, the name can be found in more distant locations such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, all of which house sizeable populations of people with this name.

In addition, the Frazer name is also found in many continental European countries, in particular those that are close to the United Kingdom such as France and Germany. This reflects the large numbers of British expats who have settled in these areas over the last few decades.

Overall, the name Frazer is still quite common today in many parts of the world, from where it first originated in Scotland to destinations much further afield.

Variations of the surname Frazer

The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Frazer are as follows.

Frazier – This is the most common spelling of the surname Frazer. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English word ‘fressour’, meaning “one who trimmed hedges”.

Fraizer – This is an alternative spelling of Frazer, though it is not as common.

Frazer – This is the original spelling of the surname, derived from a Scottish name meaning “berry-field”.

Frazier-Smith – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazier” and “Smith”, which is an occupational name for someone who worked with metal, most likely a blacksmith.

Fraiser – This is another less common variation of the surname.

Frazier-Butler – This is another combination of the surnames “Frazier” and “Butler”, an occupational name for someone working in a castle or large home as a servant.

Frazer-Seaton – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazer” and “Seaton”, which is derived from the Old English word ‘sǣt’, meaning a “settlement”.

Frazer-Sutherland – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazer” and “Sutherland”, which is derived from the Old Norse personal name ‘Suthurland’, meaning “from the southern land”.

Frazer-McGee – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazer” and “McGee”, which is an Irish name meaning “son of Aodh”.

Frazer-Tilley – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazer” and “Tilley”, which is derived from the Old English personal name ‘Þilig’, meaning “successful”.

Frazer-Weaver – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazer” and “Weaver”, which is an occupational name for someone working with textiles, usually a tailor or clothier.

Frazier-McKay – This is a combination of the surnames “Frazier” and “McKay”, which is a Scottish and Irish name, derived from the Gaelic personal name ‘Mac Aoidh’, meaning “son of Aodh”.

Famous people with the name Frazer

• Kane Frazer: an American football defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys.
• Kasey Frazer: an Australian actor and model, best known for roles in Big Night, The Last Kingdom, and Gunpowder.
• Alan Frazer: an Australian stage, television, and film actor.
• Fiona Frazer: an English actress known for roles in All Soul's: Godfatherers, Casualty, and Doctors.
• Alistair Frazer: a British organist and composer.
• Robert Frazer: an American actor whose notable film and television credits include Tarzan and the Golden Lion, It Came from Outer Space, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. and Diagnosis: Murder.
• William Frazer: an Irish Brigadier in the Connaught Rangers, who died of wounds he received in action at the Battle of Ypres.
• Robert Frazer: an American Bach scholar, organist, composer, and professor of psychology.
• Charlton Frazer: a British rower who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
• Rob Frazer: a Canadian picture editor and record producer known for his work on Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, and The Simpsons.

Other surnames

Frazee