Turner
/ˈtɜːrnər/
noun
Origin
Latin
tornare — to turn, round off, or shape on a lathe
Overview
Meaning Now
- An occupational surname for one who turns objects on a lathe, especially wood, metal, or bone.
- A person who works as a turner in a manufacturing or craft context.
Literal older meaning
one who works with a lathe
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
le Turnur
Earliest period
12th century
Journey
The surname emerged in medieval England during the height of the craft guild system, identifying craftsmen who specialized in the use of a pole lathe to create spindles, chair legs, and bowls. As a common occupational name, it is found throughout the United Kingdom and became a prominent surname in English-speaking regions.
Evolution
- Latin
tornare
“to turn on a lathe”
- Old French
tourner
“to turn”
- Middle English
turner
“a lathe worker”
Connections
Word parts
turn
root
to revolve or rotate
-er
suffix
agent suffix indicating a person who performs an action
Related across languages
French
tourneur
lathe worker
German
Drechsler
turner
Explore next
Related to Turner
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.