Painter Family

Origin Displayed: English

Spelling variations of this family name include: Paynter, Painter and others.

First found in Cornwall where they were seated from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Rowland Paynter, who came to Virginia in 1619; Edward Paynter, who came to Virginia in 1619; Thomas, Robert and William Paynter all settled in Virginia in 1643.

Some noteworthy people of the name Painter

• John Painter (1888-2001), American who having died at age 112 years 162 days was (posthumously) recognized as the world's oldest man
• William Painter (1838-1906), American inventor
• Sidney Painter (1902-1960), American medievalist
• Theophilus Painter (1889-1969), American zoologist
• Matt Painter (b. 1970), American basketball coach
• Curtis Painter (b. 1985), American footballer
• John Mark Painter (b. 1970), American musician
• William Painter (1540-1594), English author
• Robbie Painter (b. 1971), English footballer
• Marcos Painter (b. 1986), English footballer
• Anthony Painter (b. 1965), Australian professional (PGA) golfer
• Roy Painter (b. 1920), British politician
• Kevin Painter (b. 1967), British darts player
• Lance Painter (b. 1967), British baseball coach
• Joe Painter (b. 1960), British geographer & academic

The surname of PAINTER was of two-fold origin. It was a name derived from the Old French 'peintour'. The name was brought into England in the wake of the Norman Invasion of 1066. The name was occupational 'a painter' normally of stained glass. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state.It was also a baptismal name 'the son of Paynter'. Early records of the name mention John Peyntayne who was documented in the year 1273 in County Cambridge. Ricardus Payntour of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379, and Edwin Payntaine appears in 1400 in County Yorkshire. Originally the coat of arms identified the wearer, either in battle or in tournaments. Completely covered in body and facial armour the knight could be spotted and known by the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped garment which enveloped him. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1307-1327) that second names became general practice for all people. An eminent member of the name was William Painter (1540-1594) the English translator. He studied at Cambridge, and was master of Sevenoaks school, but in 1561 became clerk of ordnance in the Tower of London. The name is also spelt as Paintaine.