Porter Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Porter come from? What does the surname Porter mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Porter and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Porter Origin: What does the last name Porter mean?
The surname Porter is of English origin, stemming from the Old French word portier, meaning "gatekeeper" or "to carry." It was first recorded in the United Kingdom, specifically England, in the early 14th century. Over time, it became an occupational surname associated with individuals who worked as gatekeepers or carried goods. The name Porter has historical roots in England, with records dating back to the 11th century at Winchester Castle. It later spread to the United States, where it gained popularity and became a common surname among English, Scottish, and Irish descendants.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Porter surname in the United Kingdom since its early recording, indicating a steady expansion of the name in the 16th and 17th centuries. The surname's global spread saw significant growth in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in the volume of records by the 17th century. Today, the Porter surname is not only well-represented in the United States but also in various regions worldwide. This widespread distribution highlights the enduring legacy of the Porter surname and its historical connection to occupations related to gatekeeping and carrying goods.
Porter Last Name History: Where did the last name Porter come from?
Origin of Porter Surname: Where does the last name Porter originate from?
Based on YourRoots data, the Porter surname was first recorded in the United Kingdom, specifically England, in the early 14th century. This data only reflects records for the exact spelling "Porter" within the YourRoots database.
History of the Last Name Porter: What does the Porter surname history look like in the early days?
The Porter surname's historical records remained concentrated in the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 14th to the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, an increase in Porter family records began to emerge in the United States. The early growth phase of the Porter surname also saw a presence in other countries, although the specific nations are not mentioned in the given data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Porter surname today?
YourRoots data indicates that the volume of Porter surname records experienced a significant uptick in the United States from the 16th century onward. By the 17th century, the United States had surpassed the United Kingdom in the volume of Porter surname records, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. While the Porter surname is well-represented in the United States today, it also has a presence in other regions globally. The specific countries are not indicated in the data provided.
Explore Porter last name heritage and Porter surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME PORTER
Famous People With Porter Surame?
Alisan Porter
Alisan Leigh Porter (born Jun 20, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and dancer known for her roles in films like "Curly Sue" and on Broadway in "A Chorus Line." She won season 10 of NBC's "The Voice" in 2016 under coach Christina Aguilera. Porter's career spans from acting as a child to pursuing musical theater and releasing her solo album in 2009. She has openly discussed her battles with alcoholism and drug addiction, becoming sober in 2007. Porter continues to perform and make appearances, showcasing her talents in various platforms.
Catherine Porter
Catherine Porter (born 1965) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for her work with The Brian May Band and various musicals and films. She has released solo albums, performed as a backup singer for iconic artists like Queen and Chaka Khan, and appeared in Broadway productions. Porter's versatile career spans from jingles to Eurovision attempts, showcasing her talent and passion for music. Her collaborations and performances have solidified her place in the music industry, making her a respected figure in the entertainment world.
Willy Porter
Willy Porter is a contemporary American rock musician and singer-songwriter from Mequon, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In April 2023, The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) announced that Porter would be inducted into the WAMI Hall of Fame.
Porter began his professional music career in 1990 with his album "The Trees Have Soul" and has been actively touring ever since. He formed the Willy Porter Band and released successful albums like "Dog-Eared Dream" with hit single "Angry Words." Porter's diverse discography showcases his talent as a guitarist and vocalist, earning him recognition from publications like The Washington Post and The Boston Globe.
In addition to his solo work, Porter has collaborated with artists like Carmen Nickerson as "Porter Nickerson" and guitarist Greg Koch. His own imprint, Weasel Records, has allowed him to release albums like "Human Kindness" and "Bonfire to Ash." Porter's unique blend of acoustic performance and thoughtful lyrics continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
John Addison Porter
John Addison Porter (Mar 15, 1822 – Aug 25, 1866) was an American professor of chemistry and physician. He founded the Scroll and Key senior society at Yale University and was a pioneer in translating the Finnish national epic, Kalevala, into English. His legacy lives on through the John Addison Porter Prize at Yale, awarded for outstanding scholarly work. Porter's contributions to science and literature have left a lasting impact on academia and beyond.
Whitworth Porter
Whitworth Porter (September 25, 1827 – May 27, 1892) was an English Major General of the Royal Engineers and a historical writer. Born in Devon, he served in the Crimean War and designed fortifications in Malta. Porter wrote works such as "Life in the Trenches before Sebastopol" and "History of the Knights of Malta." He also published a comprehensive "History of the Corps of Royal Engineers." Porter was dedicated to charitable works and served as chairman of the St. John's Ambulance Association. He left a lasting legacy in both military history and philanthropy.
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