Brewer is an occupational surname derived from Old English 'bréō', meaning 'brewer'. It originally referred to someone who brewed beer professionally, a role of significant importance in medieval England where ale was the primary beverage. The name first appeared in records during the early 13th century, with one William Brewer being listed in the Hundred Rolls of 1273.
The surname Brewer has been widely adopted across various regions due to migration patterns and intermarriage. Today, it is most commonly found in English-speaking countries such as England, the United States, Australia, and Canada. Notable individuals bearing this name include former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, whose family originally had the surname 'Baker' but changed it to Brewer before immigrating to America.
In modern times, Brewer has also emerged as a given name in its own right, often used for boys or occasionally girls. It is sometimes chosen by parents who appreciate its historical significance and connection to craftsmanship or culture. As an occupational surname turned given name, Brewer carries a unique blend of tradition and individuality.
"Brewer has seen a significant increase in popularity as a baby name over the past century, with a total of 886 births recorded between 1913 and 2023. While there were consistent years with 5 births each from the 1910s to the early 2000s, there's been a notable surge since 2008, reaching a peak of 107 births in 2023."