Butter

The surname BUTTER is of English origin, first appearing in records during the late 12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "butere," referring to a maker or seller of butter. This occupational surname was commonly found in areas with a thriving dairy industry, particularly in southern and central England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the BUTTER surname can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1195, which mention a "William le Buttere." The Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire from 1273 also reference a "William le Buttere" and a "Robert le Butture."

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the BUTTER surname appeared in various forms, including Buttur, Buttur, Buttour, and Buttere, reflecting regional variations in spelling and pronunciation. The Lay Subsidy Rolls of 1332 list a "Richard le Buttere" in Essex, while the Yorkshire Poll Tax Returns of 1379 include a "Johannes Butter."

The BUTTER surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such person was John Butter, a 16th-century English Puritan minister and author, who served as the vicar of Bury St. Edmunds and published works on theology and church governance (born around 1550, died in 1628).

Another prominent figure was Sir Walter Butter, a 17th-century English lawyer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Arundel and Midhurst. He played a significant role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and was knighted by King William III (born in 1636, died in 1689).

In the 18th century, Nathaniel Butter, an English clergyman and antiquarian, made notable contributions to the study of ancient manuscripts and inscriptions. He served as the rector of Kemerton in Gloucestershire and published works on Roman inscriptions found in Britain (born in 1684, died in 1765).

The 19th century saw the rise of William Butter, a prominent English architect who designed several notable buildings, including the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. He was also involved in the restoration of various historic buildings (born in 1772, died in 1856).

More recently, Walter Butter, an English artist and illustrator, gained recognition for his work in the early 20th century. He is particularly known for his illustrations in books by authors such as H.G. Wells and G.K. Chesterton (born in 1892, died in 1949).

While the BUTTER surname has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora. However, the historical records and notable individuals mentioned above highlight the rich heritage and origins of this occupational surname.