Napier Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Napier come from? What does the surname Napier mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Napier and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Napier Origin: What does the last name Napier mean?
The surname Napier has English, Scottish, French, or Polish origins. In Scotland, it is said to have been given by King William the Lion to a brave individual after a battle, meaning "no equal." Alternatively, it could have originated from an occupational name for someone who dealt with table linen. The earliest occurrences of the name date back to the 12th century, with variations like Naper and Nappere recorded. The Napier surname is also found in Poland as a shortened form of Napierala.
YourRoots data shows that the Napier surname has been linked to Scotland since the early 14th century, with records also appearing in England in the 17th century. By the 20th century, the name had spread globally, with significant concentrations in the United States, Scotland, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the Napier surname continues to be prevalent in various countries worldwide, showcasing its widespread distribution and rich historical significance.
Napier Last Name History: Where did the last name Napier come from?
Origin of Napier Surname: Where does the last name Napier originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Napier first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Napier spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Napier: What does the Napier surname history look like in the early days?
The Napier surname remained closely associated with Scotland (United Kingdom) from the 14th to the 16th century. YourRoots data also shows Napier family records in countries like England (United Kingdom) in the 17th century and significant growth in the United States from the 18th century onwards, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Napier surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Napier surname grew significantly in the United States. The Napier surname remains prominent in the United States and is also prevalent in countries like Scotland (United Kingdom), England (United Kingdom), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It appears in many countries worldwide, showing a widespread distribution.
Explore Napier last name heritage and Napier surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME NAPIER
Famous People With Napier Surame?
Shabazz Napier
Shabazz Bozie Napier (July 14, 1991 - present) is an American professional basketball player known for his time with the Miami Heat in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Connecticut Huskies, winning two national championships in 2011 and 2014. Napier was a standout player in college, earning accolades such as the All-AAC first team and American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. With a successful career in both college and professional basketball, Napier continues to showcase his skills on the court for Bayern Munich in the German Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroLeague.
Alan Napier
Alan William Napier-Clavering (7 Jan 1903 – 8 Aug 1988), better known as Alan Napier, was an English actor with a notable career in both British and Hollywood films. He is most famous for his role as Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's butler, in the 1960s live-action Batman TV series. Napier's tall stature almost cost him his early roles, but he found success on stage and screen, appearing in movies like "Random Harvest" and "Cat People." His portrayal of Alfred endeared him to audiences and solidified his place in pop culture history. Napier's legacy lives on as a beloved character actor who brought charm and wit to the small screen.
John Napier
John Napier of Merchiston (February 1, 1550 – April 4, 1617) was a Scottish mathematician, physicist, and astronomer. Known as the discoverer of logarithms, Napier also invented "Napier's bones" and popularized the use of the decimal point in arithmetic. His birthplace, Merchiston Tower in Edinburgh, is now part of Edinburgh Napier University. With a strong background in mathematics, Napier's contributions revolutionized computation and trigonometry, earning him the nickname "Marvellous Merchiston." His innovative work laid the foundation for modern mathematical practices and continues to inspire mathematicians worldwide.
Wilfrid Napier
Wilfrid Fox Napier O.F.M. (March 8, 1941 - ) is a South African Franciscan friar and prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Durban from 1992 to 2021 and has been a cardinal since 2001. Napier played a key role in mediating during the unrest leading up to the 1994 election in South Africa. He was also a cardinal elector in the papal conclaves that elected Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Apart from his religious duties, Napier is a supporter of English football club Burnley and has been an occasional contributor to The Southern Cross, a South African national Catholic weekly.
In his views, Napier has expressed opinions on AIDS, advocating for abstinence-based programs over condom distribution. He has also criticized the Vatican for lacking sensitivity to African churches and has been involved in controversies, such as his comments on paedophilia being an illness rather than a criminal condition, which sparked backlash and later apologies. Despite these controversies, Napier's contributions to the Catholic Church and his diplomatic efforts are notable aspects of his legacy.
Billy Napier
William Hall Napier (born July 21, 1979) is an American football coach known for his successful coaching career at the University of Louisiana and currently as head coach at the University of Florida. With a background as a standout wide receiver turned quarterback, Napier has led teams to multiple conference championships and impressive win records. His coaching journey includes notable stints at Clemson, Alabama, and Arizona State before making a mark at Louisiana. With a passion for developing players and strategic playcalling, Napier continues to make waves in the world of college football.
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