Surname Rapier - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Rapier: What does the surname Rapier mean?
The last name Rapier refers to a type of sword popularly used in Europe starting in the 16th century known as a rapier. The rapier was known for its narrow, long blade as well as its strong construction and was designed for thrusting. It was a popular choice amongst duelers in the Renaissance period, and many rapiers were highly decorative and carried as an accessory just as often as they were used for dueling.
The last name Rapier is derived from the term for this sword. The name originates from the Italian term "spada rapiera" which translates to "sword with a point". This name was used by swordsmiths to describe the type of sword crafted, and it eventually led to the surname.
Rapier is a fairly rare surname, but it does have a few variations like Rapier, Raper, and Rapaere. It is mostly found in English and French speaking countries. It is believed to have originated from the Rapier family in England during the 17th century, and later became more popular throughout Europe.
Though it has a rather violent sounding history, the lastname Rapier historically was an indicator of wealth and status due to the common association with sword fighting being popular among
Order DNA origin analysisRapier: Where does the name Rapier come from?
The surname Rapier is of French origin, however, it can also be found in several countries around the world today. In France, the name is most common in the region of Poitou-Charentes, where it is likely to have originated in the Middle Ages. In America, the name is most common in Louisiana, a state with a large immigrant population from France. In Canada, the name is found mostly in the south of the country, especially in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The United Kingdom also has a significant population of Rapier families, and most choose to anglicize their name as Raper or its variation, Rapple.
The Rapier surname is also found in parts of Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Argentina, and several African countries, among others. It is not one of the most common surnames around the world, but it remains a recognizable and distinctive surname that is likely to stand out in a crowd.
Variations of the surname Rapier
The surname Rapier is of French and English origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Old French "rapiere," meaning rapier, a type of sword traditionally used in dueling.
Variants of the surname Rapier include Rapier, Raper, Reaphire, Rappier, Reappire, Repier, Repierre, Repeir, Repeire, Repiere, Ripair, Riper, Rippier and Ripple.
Spellings common to the surname Rapier include Rapier, Raper, Reaphire, Rappier, Reappire, Repier, Repierre, Repeir, Repeire, Repiere, Ripair, Riper, Rippier and Ripple.
In France, the surname Rapier is common in the Normandy, Loire and Pyrénées-Orientales provinces. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida.
Other anglicized versions of the name Rapier include Raper and Ripple.
Surnames of similar origin and meaning include Pataupier, Pataupier, Pieret, Preyer and Rapaire, among others. All of the listed surnames refer to rapiers or swordsmiths.
Famous people with the name Rapier
- David Rapier: A British actor and comedian, who played Perchik in the British television adaptation of the musical Fiddler on the Roof.
- Catherine Rapier: An award-winning ecological planner, author, and sustainability advocate based in Portland, Oregon.
- Lurlene Rapier: An American jazz singer, songwriter, and occasional actress.
- Ricardo Rapier: An Academy Award-winning Argentine film editor and producer, best known for his work on films such as The Motorcycle Diaries and El Secreto de Sus Ojos.
- Shonnie Rapier: A 1940s-era American film actress who appeared in several Westerns and costume dramas.
- Robert Rapier: An American chemical engineer, author, and sustainability expert, who has published books and articles on the topics of energy use, renewable energy sources, and the costs of energy production.
- Aaron Rapier: An American animator, storyboard artist, and character designer, mainly working in the animation and video game industries.
- Breeze Rapier: An English professional wrestler and promoter, best known for his work as a promoter of Catch Wrestling in the United Kingdom.
- Toby Rapier: An American billionaire businessman, the retired CEO of Cubic Corporation.