Surname Trailer - Meaning and Origin

Trailer: What does the surname Trailer mean?

The last name Trailer doesn't have a specific meaning since it appears to be quite rare and doesn't have recognized roots in any particular language or culture. However, in English language context, "Trailer" is the term used to describe a mobile structure that is hauled by a vehicle. The word comes from an Old English term, "tragan," meaning "to carry." It's also possible for surnames to derive from occupations, so it could potentially have been used to refer to someone who constructed, hauled, or otherwise worked with trailers. The exact origin and meaning of Trailer as a surname would likely require genealogical research for a specific family line bearing this name.

Trailer: Where does the name Trailer come from?

The last name Trailer is most commonly found today in the Nordics, particularly in Sweden and Finland, as well as Germany and parts of the United Kingdom. The name itself originates from the Old Norse word “trail” or “trylle”, which translates to “ecstasy”, “enchantment” or “deception”.

Trailer is an occupational last name, which means that a man from a particular family was identified with his occupation. In this case, it is likely that one ancestor was a maker or seller of some kind of drapery or fabricgoods used to make clothes and decorations.

In modern times, the name is not found to be exceedingly common but does still remain in existence, particularly in the countries listed above.

In certain parts of the United States, Trailer is sometimes a used as a surname. For example, in the rural South, Trailer is still used as a name for both men and women. One example is Trailer Bradshaw, who served in the Confederate Army towards the end of the Civil War.

Trailer may also be a family name from many different countries. According to genealogy research, a family of Trailer immigrants from England and Wales settled in the American Midwest during the 19th century. This family’s descendants ended up stretching far and wide across the United States.

In total, Trailer is not as common as it once was, but it still remains in existence today in many countries.

Variations of the surname Trailer

The surname Trailer can have a variety of different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

Trailer can be spelled Treller, Treuller, Treular, Trailler, Traillor, Trailor, Traolar, Traveller,Trella, and Trella.

Other surnames or spellings that have a similar origin, but could be interpreted as different from Trailer are Treloar, Trellerar, Troller, Trewoller, Tralear, Tralor, Trayler, and Trelar.

These names all possibly have a common origin in that they trace their roots back to the Old French word treil or treill which means “sieve or strainer.”

Additionally, some close variants to “Trailer” have a Germanic origin, and can be traced back to the Old High German “traler” which meant “to perform a circular motion.”

Variants that contain the ‘e’ spelling like Treller and Traveller may also indicate a Norman origin. The Norman family of Treller may be a prominent example of an old family that used a variant of the Trailler surname.

Overall, Trailer has close variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin that may provide some clues about the ancestor’s journey and origins.

Famous people with the name Trailer

• Roberta Trailer: Actress, best known for her work on the Mexican sketch comedy show El Chavo del Ocho.
• John Trailer: Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1935–36 to 1943–44.
• Corey Trailer: American basketball standout who played college basketball in the mid to late 90’s for Georgia Southern University. He is currently a consultant for Marietta Housing Authority in Georgia.
• Bill Trailer: British actor and director who has worked in theatre, film and television. His acting credits include parts in Downton Abbey and Midsomer Murders.
• Catrin Trailer: Welsh singer best known for her work as a member of the indie rock band Catrin Trailer and the Shakers.
• Helga Trailer: Austrian–American writer and language instructor, best known for her work on Austro-Germanic language instruction books.
• Paul Trailer: American indie folk singer-songwriter from Massachusetts.
• Toby Trailer: British actor who starred in the 1990s BBC show The House of Eliott. He also appeared in films such as Much Ado About Nothing.
• Carl Trailer: American music producer who has worked with the likes of Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Kendrick Lamar.
• Jack Trailer: Australian movie and television actor, best known for his role as Adam Montrose in the long-running soap opera Neighbours.

Other surnames

Trailor