Turner

Pronunciation: [ t-ERN-er ]

Boy Name #1,007 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An artisan's name with modern edge — built to create

American English

Strong Modern Bold Unique Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"one who works a lathe, craftsman"

Origin: Old English/French

Language: English

"tournament fighter"

Origin: Old French

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with Tina Turner by some

The Story of Turner

Turner is an English occupational surname derived from Old French 'torneor,' meaning one who works with a lathe — a skilled craftsman who shapes wood, metal, or bone on a rotating machine. The Old French came from Latin 'tornare' (to turn on a lathe), from 'tornus' (lathe), itself from Greek 'tornos.' Turner was a respected medieval trade, and the surname became hereditary. Like Mason, Cooper, and Parker, it has been adopted as a first name reflecting the American love of occupational surnames.

Turner as a first name has been slowly rising in the US through the 2010s-2020s, following the trend of occupational surnames (Mason, Hunter, Cooper, Tanner). It appeals to parents who want a strong, masculine name that feels both traditional and contemporary.

The Turner name carries considerable cultural weight: J.M.W. Turner is considered England's greatest landscape painter; Tina Turner is the 'Queen of Rock'; Ted Turner founded CNN. As a given name, it inherits this sense of forward momentum and creative energy.

Fun Facts

J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) is considered the father of modern landscape painting
Tina Turner sold over 200 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time
Ted Turner founded CNN in 1980, transforming global news forever

Turner in Other Languages

French Tourneur

German Turner

English Turner

Spanish Turner

Japanese ターナー

Famous People Named Turner

Tina Turner

Musician

1939

American rock icon known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, with over 200 million records sold worldwide

J.M.W. Turner

Artist

1775

English Romantic painter widely considered the greatest landscape artist in Western art history

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,007
Total SSA Count: 223
Cultural Origins: American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Turn T

Pairs Well With

Turner James Turner Cole Turner Grey Turner Lee Turner Knox Turner Reid Turner Lane

Sibling Names

Mason Hunter Cooper Sawyer Nora Piper Blake

Also a Girl Name

Turner is also used as a girl name, ranked #5100.

View Turner as a girl name →

Similar Names

Spencer Chandler Tanner Trevor Conner Conan Conor Gunner

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Frequently Asked Questions About Turner

What does the name Turner mean?

"one who works a lathe, craftsman" (from Old English/French). "tournament fighter" (from Old French). Turner is an English occupational surname derived from Old French 'torneor,' meaning one who works with a lathe — a skilled craftsman who shapes wood, metal, or bone on a rotating machine. The Old French came from Latin 'tornare' (to turn on a lathe), from 'tornus' (lathe), itself from Greek 'tornos.' Turner was a respected medieval trade, and the surname became hereditary. Like Mason, Cooper, and Parker, it has been adopted as a first name reflecting the American love of occupational surnames.

What is the origin of the name Turner?

Turner has Old English/French, Old French, American, and English origins. In Old English/French, it means "one who works a lathe, craftsman". In Old French, it means "tournament fighter".

Is Turner a boy or girl name?

Turner is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1007. As a girl name, it is ranked #5100. Turner is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Turner?

Turner is pronounced t-ERN-er.

How popular is the name Turner?

Turner is currently ranked #1007 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Turner?

Common nicknames for Turner include Turn and T.

What are good middle names for Turner?

Popular middle name pairings include Turner James, Turner Cole, Turner Grey, Turner Lee, Turner Knox, Turner Reid, and Turner Lane.

What are good sibling names for Turner?

Names that pair well with Turner as siblings include Mason, Hunter, Cooper, Sawyer, Nora, Piper, and Blake.

How many syllables does Turner have?

Turner has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Turner a common or rare name?

Turner is an uncommon name, ranked #1007 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Turner

Turner is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "one who works a lathe, craftsman" in Old English/French .

Is Turner a boy or girl name? Turner is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,007 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,100. Turner is more commonly used as a boy name.

Turner is currently ranked #1,007 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Turner has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-ERN-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Turner include Turn and T. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.