Surname Souter - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Souter: What does the surname Souter mean?
Souter is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a occupational name given to someone who was a shoemaker or cobbler. The term "souter" actually comes from the Old English pre-7th Century word "sutere", the Old Norse "sutr", or the Old High German "suotar", all of which mean shoemaker. Like many surnames during the Middle Ages, Souter was chosen based on a person's trade or occupation. Thus, if someone was a Shoemaker, they likely took on the surname Souter. This was a common practice during a time when surnames were becoming inheritable and fixed. Like many surnames of occupational origin, it is likely that the original bearer of the name Souter was a person who made and repaired footwear. Today, people with the surname Souter can be found in various parts of the world. Their ancestors may have been shoemakers or cobblers.
Order DNA origin analysisSouter: Where does the name Souter come from?
The last name Souter is most common in Scotland, where it is estimated that approximately 4,500 people bear the surname. It is also present in England and Northern Ireland, though not to the same extent as in Scotland. In the United States, it is more uncommon, but there are still around 3,000 people with the last name Souter.
The origins of the name are likely to have grown from the Scottish and Northern English term ‘souter’, meaning shoemaker or cordwainer. It is believed to have been introduced to Scotland during the twelfth century, when French shoemakers settled in the area. The introduction of the name as a surname is likely to have come about due to Scottish custom which saw the adoption of family names as early as the thirteenth century.
Although less common, the name is still found in other countries too. In France, it is estimated that around 2,000 people bear the surname, while in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, the last name Souter is less frequently encountered.
The name Souter is distinctive today due to its long history and its past forms like Soutar or Sowder. Its strong association with the trade of shoemaking means it has a unique link with an important industry that has been around for centuries.
Variations of the surname Souter
Souter is an English surname derived from the Middle English word "souwere," which means tailor. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Sowter, Soutter, Souterr, Sowtor, Sooter, Sootar, Sowterer, Soutere, Soutare, Sowtree, Southar, Sutar, and Suter.
The first records of this surname date back to the 1200s and in Scotland to the 1500s. It is believed to have started as an occupational name, for someone who has professional work involving cloth, such as a tailor. Later, it could have started to become a nickname or descriptive nickname for someone with certain characteristics or appearance.
Souter as a surname is most common in Scotland, particularly in Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling. It is also common in England and Wales in Dorset, Devon, Kent, Lancashire, London, and Staffordshire. In Australia, the United States, and Canada, Souter is less common but can still be found in some regions.
The Coat of Arms is said to have been granted to the Souter family. It features a silver or white shield with three red stars. The Crest is said to be a silver talbot with a red collar and tongue. The motto "Pro rege et patria" means "For king and country."
The Souter name can be traced back to the region to Scotland and Northern England, and it certainly had some very interesting origins. It is clear to see that many variations of this surname have come from the same origin, but with some variation in spelling and usage over time.
Famous people with the name Souter
- David Souter: An American retired Supreme Court justice who was nominated in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush.
- Muriel Gray: A Scottish TV presenter, journalist, author, radio presenter and broadcaster, best known for presenting TV’s The Tube.
- William Souter: A Scottish lawyer and judge. He served as a Lord Justice Clerk from 1972 to 1981, and was made a life peer in 1982.
- Bob Souter: A Scottish footballer who played in the English Football League and in minor Scottish leagues in the 1960s & 1970s.
- Stephen Souter: A Scottish former professional footballer who made appearances playing as a goalkeeper in the English Football League.
- Jennifer Souter: An American singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles.
- Alexander Souter: A Scottish classical scholar and lexicographer. He is best known for making large contributions to the widely used "A Pocket Lexicon of New Testament Greek"
- James Souter: One of the founders of the Banffshire Whig Club who worked on the land reforms known as the Souter of Supple Regulations.
- Gordon Souter: A Scottish railway executive, he was chairman and managing director of the Caledonian Railway from 1926 to 1930.
- Sir Richard Souter: A British diplomat who had postings in Madrid and Paris and served as the British High Commissioner to New Zealand from 1963 to 1967.