Meaning and origin
The last name Fraser originates from the ancient French word "fraisier," meaning strawberry, and was first used as a surname in the Scottish Highlands. The name was brought to Scotland by the Frasers, a noble family of Norman origin. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved from "Fraisier" to "Fraser," reflecting changes in pronunciation and language.
The longer story
The last name Fraser is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Norman French name "Fraisier." It is a geographical or habitational surname that originated from the place name "Fresel," meaning "strawberry" in Old French.
The Frasers, a powerful and influential Scottish clan, played a significant role in Scottish history. They were known for their military prowess and loyalty to the crown. The clan controlled extensive territories and were considered one of the noble families of Scotland.
The Frasers are believed to have come to Scotland in the 12th century from Anjou, France, settling in the Scottish Highlands and establishing themselves as landowners.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,358
Fraser was the 1,358th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 25,961 people, about 8.4 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Where it is found
Countries linked to Fraser.
Surnames like Fraser
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Fraser is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.