Thayer Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Thayer come from? What does the surname Thayer mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Thayer and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Thayer Origin: What does the last name Thayer mean?
The surname Thayer is of English origin, derived from the term "tawyer," which referred to someone who dressed skins. The earliest records of the Thayer surname in England date back to the early 15th century. Over time, the name became more prevalent in the United States, surpassing its frequency in England by the 17th century. Today, the Thayer surname is predominantly found in the United States, with notable individuals carrying the name in various countries worldwide.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Thayer surname in England and its subsequent spread to other countries. From the 15th century onwards, the Thayer surname gained prominence in the United States and has since been documented in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This global distribution of the Thayer surname showcases its enduring legacy and widespread influence across different regions and cultures.
Thayer Last Name History: Where did the last name Thayer come from?
Origin of Thayer Surname: Where does the last name Thayer originate from?
The earliest records of the surname Thayer in the YourRoots database are from England during the early 15th century. It's important to remember that this pertains specifically to records with the exact spelling "Thayer" within the YourRoots database and may not include other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Thayer: What does the Thayer surname history look like in the early days?
The "Thayer" surname was primarily associated with England from the 15th to the 16th century, according to records in the YourRoots database. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of records with the Thayer surname had grown considerably in the United States, surpassing that of England. This trend continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating a shift in the distribution of the Thayer surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Thayer surname today?
Today, the Thayer surname is most frequently found in the United States, as reflected in the YourRoots database. While the United States holds the highest volume of Thayer records, we can find this surname in various countries worldwide, reflecting its global spread over the centuries. These countries may include England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations, among others.
Explore Thayer last name heritage and Thayer surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Thayer Surame?
Brynn Thayer
Brynn Thayer (born October 4, 1949) is an American actress best known for her role as Jenny Wolek on the soap opera One Life to Live from 1978 to 1986. Thayer also appeared in TV shows like Matlock, General Hospital, and Suits. She co-founded ZazAngels, a charity supporting ALS research. Thayer's diverse acting career spans daytime and primetime television, as well as film, showcasing her talent and versatility.
Tommy Thayer
Thomas Cunningham Thayer (born Nov 7, 1960) is an American musician known for his role as lead guitarist and vocalist for the hard rock band Kiss from 2002 to 2023. Thayer was also a member of the band Black 'n Blue. Growing up in Oregon, he honed his musical skills and eventually joined Kiss, taking on the persona of "The Spaceman." Thayer's contributions to Kiss' music and performances have solidified his place in rock history, making him a recognizable figure in the world of entertainment.
Maria Thayer
Maria Christina Thayer (born October 30, 1975) is an American actress and comedian known for her roles in popular comedy films and television series. She gained recognition for her role in the cult series Strangers with Candy and went on to appear in movies like Hitch, Accepted, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Thayer has also starred in TV shows like Eagleheart and Those Who Can't. With a background in acting from The Juilliard School, she has showcased her talent in various comedy projects, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Sylvanus Thayer
Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General Sylvanus Thayer (June 9, 1785 – September 7, 1872) was known as the "Father of the Military Academy." He was an early superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a strong advocate for engineering education in the U.S. Thayer established many traditions and policies still used at West Point today, shaping the institution into the nation's first college of engineering. His engineering prowess was showcased in overseeing the construction of forts defending Boston Harbor. Thayer's legacy lives on through the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College and the Military Academy's Association of Graduates.
Nate Thayer
Nathaniel Talbott Thayer (April 21, 1960 – c. January 3, 2023) was an American freelance journalist known for his work on international organized crime, narcotics trafficking, and human rights. He famously interviewed Pol Pot as the Cambodia correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review. Thayer's career spanned various publications and regions, from Southeast Asia to the United States. Despite facing dangers and challenges, he remained dedicated to investigative journalism until his passing in Massachusetts at the age of 62.
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