Carpenter Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Carpenter come from? What does the surname Carpenter mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Carpenter and family migration on YourRoots Map.
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Surname Carpenter Origin: What does the last name Carpenter mean?
The surname Carpenter is of English origin and is derived from the occupation of a woodworker who shapes wood to create various objects and structures. It dates back to the Middle English period, with roots in Anglo-Norman French introduced to England around the time of the Norman conquest in 1066. Variants of the surname include Carpentier, Charpentier, and Carpendar, reflecting the different phonetic and regional adaptations over time. The Latin roots of the surname, carpentarius, denote a maker of wooden carriages or structures, linking it to similar names in other languages such as Mac an tSaoir in Irish, Carpentiere in Italian, and Zimmermann in German.
According to YourRoots data, the Carpenter surname has been present in England since the 12th century, gradually spreading to the United States by the 16th century and becoming more common than in its country of origin by the 17th century. Today, Carpenter is a widely distributed surname found in various countries worldwide, with the United States having the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name. The surname Carpenter reflects a long history of woodworking skills and craftsmanship, symbolizing the legacy of those who worked with wood to create functional and artistic structures throughout the ages.
Carpenter Last Name History: Where did the last name Carpenter come from?
Origin of Carpenter Surname: Where does the last name Carpenter originate from?
The YourRoots database indicates that the Carpenter surname first emerges in records from England around the early 12th century. This refers specifically to the Carpenter spelling as recorded in the YourRoots database and does not include other data sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Carpenter: What does the Carpenter surname history look like in the early days?
The Carpenter surname stayed closely associated with England from the 12th through the 15th century. The frequency of Carpenter family records began to increase noticeably in the United States from the 16th century, surpassing England by the 17th century. This suggests that individuals bearing the Carpenter surname had started to establish roots in the United States from this time forward.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Carpenter surname today?
The YourRoots database shows that from the 16th century, the volume of records with the Carpenter surname increased notably in the United States, eventually surpassing England by the 17th century and continuing this trend into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Carpenter surname can be found in countries around the globe, with the United States having the highest frequency of records. However, it's also present in other countries, reflecting its wide global spread over the centuries.
Explore Carpenter last name heritage and Carpenter surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Carpenter Surame?
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter (May 11, 1999 - ) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her role in the Disney Channel series "Girl Meets World." She has released several studio albums and starred in various films, including "Adventures in Babysitting" and "Clouds."
Jennifer Carpenter
Jennifer Leann Carpenter (Dec 7, 1979 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in hit TV series like Dexter and films like The Exorcism of Emily Rose. She has won awards for her performances and continues to captivate audiences with her talent.
Charisma Carpenter
Charisma Lee Carpenter (born Jul 23, 1970) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. She also appeared in movies like The Expendables and has a diverse acting career spanning several genres.
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter (Feb 21, 1958 - ) is a Grammy-winning American country and folk singer-songwriter. Known for hits like "Shut Up and Kiss Me," she has a feminist-inspired musical style. Carpenter's successful albums include "Come On Come On" and "Stones in the Road."
Stephen Carpenter
Stephen "Steph" Carpenter (Aug 3, 1970 - ) is an American musician known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the alternative metal band Deftones. His unique guitar techniques and use of multiple-string guitars have earned him a spot as one of Guitar World's 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists.
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