Surname Latimer - Meaning and Origin

Tracing Back the Legacy of the Latimer Surname through iGENEA DNA Test

The iGENEA DNA test has drastically expanded my understanding of my genealogical roots, specifically shedding light on my Latimer surname and its significance. With its origins tracing back to the Anglo-Saxons and an association with the R1b haplogroup, the findings propose that my ancestors hailed from the regions of prehistoric Northern and Eastern England and Western Europe.

I. Latimer

Latimer: What does the surname Latimer mean?

The surname Latimer originated from an occupation in the Middle Ages. Derived from the old French "latomus", and the ancient Roman (Latin) "latomus", it translates to "interpreter" or "speaker". This was a critical job during the medieval times when English was not widely used across Europe. The original bearers of this surname likely served as translators or a bridge of communication between different culture and language. It was commonly given to those who could translate from Latin into French or English as Latin was the standard written language for official documents during that period. It was also used for someone who looked after the lamps in a great house or a public place. Hence, the name represents a position of influence and authority, highlighting the importance of communication. Its spelling variants include Latymer, Lattimer, and Lattimore.

Latimer: Where does the name Latimer come from?

The surname Latimer is of Old French origin, developed from the term "le Latimer", indicating "the interpreter." It was an occupational surname given to individuals who served as interpreters or professional translators, especially between English and French. The development of this surname corresponds to Norman Conquest-era England in the late 11th century, when the French language was dominant among the higher classes, and English was the language of the common people, necessitating the role of interpreters.

The surname has two main concentrations in England, one in the north and one in the south. Northern bearers of the name may derive it from a location near Durham called Lartington or Latimer, given to residents of these places.

Today, the surname Latimer is largely found in English-speaking countries, most prominently in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to data, it is most commonly seen in England, followed by the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Scotland respectively. Some famous individuals bearing the surname Latimer include British politician James Latimer and American scientist and inventor Lewis Howard Latimer.

Variations of the surname Latimer

The surname Latimer is of English origin and was used for interpreters, deriving from the Old French 'latimier'. Variations and alternate spellings of the surname Latimer can include Latimore, Lattimore, Lattimer, Lattimor, Lattemore, and Lettimore. Occasionally, it may also be spelled as lattermore or Lattymer.

The name seems to have originated from the Latin term "latinarius," indicating someone who spoke Latin, a language not commonly spoken in medieval England, hence, suggesting that the person bearing the surname was likely an interpreter. People with these surnames have spread across the English-speaking world, particularly in the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, and South Africa.

It's important to note that spelling variants often occurred due to regional accents, illiteracy, and the lack of standardization in spelling prior to the 19th century. Therefore, these variations may be more or less common in different regions and among different branches of a family. It's also possible that some individuals or branches of the family may have altered the spelling of their surname intentionally for personal or social reasons.

Famous people with the name Latimer

• Joe Latimer: American baseball pitcher
• Valerie Latimer: British film director
• Bashar Latimer: American author, producer, and entrepreneur
• Carmen Latimer: American fashion designer
• Larry Latimer: American television producer
• Lisa Latimer: American mixed media artist
• Ann Latimer: British abstract painter
• Richard Latimer: American actor and theatre director
• Hank Latimer: American blues singer
• Drake Latimer: American actor

Other surnames

Latimore