All surnames

English surname

Turner

Lathe worker

Occupational surname

For someone who shaped wood or metal on a lathe, from Old French "tornier".

More English surnames

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Turner mean?

Lathe worker. For someone who shaped wood or metal on a lathe, from Old French "tornier".

Is Turner a common surname?

Turner is a English-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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