Turner is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Turner, which was originally an occupational name for a fuller, a person who processed wool or other textiles by pounding them with a heavy wooden club called a Fuller's bat.
The name Turner comes from the Middle English word "turnere," which means "one who turns." This refers to both the physical act of turning or twisting fibers during the process of fulling and also to the metaphorical idea of transforming raw materials into finished goods.
The use of Turner as a given name began in the 19th century, with its popularity increasing over time. It is now considered a unisex name, although it has been more commonly used for males historically.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Turner. These include:
* J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), an English Romantic painter known for his landscapes and seascapes.
* Tina Turner (born 1939), a American singer-songwriter and actress famous for hits like "Proud Mary" and "What's Love Got to Do with It."
* Ted Turner (born 1938), an American media proprietor, philanthropist, and founder of CNN.
While the name Turner may have different associations based on individual experiences or popular culture references, its origin and meaning remain rooted in English occupational history. As a given name, it has proven to be timeless and versatile, worn by individuals from various walks of life throughout history.
The name Turner experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable surge in recent decades. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, there were fewer than 40 births per year on average. However, beginning around the mid-1990s, there was a marked increase, with birth numbers consistently exceeding 150 per year since 2006. The peak in popularity occurred in 2018 and 2019, with over 240 births recorded each year. Interestingly, despite this recent rise in popularity, the number of Turner births dropped significantly to around 173 in 2022 and 202, suggesting a potential shift in trends once again. In total, there have been 9569 births with the name Turner from 1880 to 2023.