Surname Peeler - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestral Mysteries with iGENEA DNA test: A Focus on the Surname Peeler

The detailed iGENEA DNA test results have shed exciting light on my ancestral heritage, particularly linked to my surname, Peeler. The scientific findings suggest the Peeler surname falls under the R1b Y-DNA haplogroup, commonly found in Western Europe. Additionally, the test underlines a significant presence of the Peeler name in Western Scotland, indicating Scottish origins. Mothers originating from Western Europe, occupational indications, and intriguing migration patterns tell an engaging story surrounding the origins of the Peeler surname.

T. Peeler

Peeler: What does the surname Peeler mean?

The surname Peeler is of English origin. It is derived from an occupational name, depicting someone who had a particular job or profession. The name Peeler is believed to stem from two possible professions. Firstly, it may have represented someone who peeled bark from trees to use for purposes such as tanning.

Secondly, it could be associated with the profession of a "peler," which is an old term for a peddler or someone who sells goods from place to place. Some studies additionally suggest that it could have derived from an old English verb “pelen”, meaning “to strip or plunder”.

There is also a historical significance to the name Peeler in relation to law enforcement. In the 19th century, policemen in the UK were sometimes referred to as "peelers" or "bobbies" named after Sir Robert Peel who established the Metropolitan Police Force for London.

Peeler: Where does the name Peeler come from?

The last name Peeler is most commonly found today in the United States and the United Kingdom. It has German, English, and Irish origins. In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the last name Peeler can be found in the southeastern states. Specifically, Virginia and North Carolina have the highest population of Peelers. The central midwest states, such as Illinois and Indiana, also have a significant population of people with the last name Peeler.

In the UK, the highest concentration of people with the last name Peeler is in the southern parts of England, particularly in the counties of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Kent. Additionally, London and parts of Scotland have a population of Peelers.

The last name Peeler is likely derived from the Old English word "peolfor," which means a porter or caretaker. Additionally, it could also be taken from the Middle English word "peler," which means one who skins or peels foods. As a result, it is likely that many of the Peelers who emigrated to the United States and the UK were involved in industries such as butchering, fishing, and milling.

Presently, the last name Peeler is not among the top 100 of the most popular surnames in either the US or the UK. It is estimated that there are about 30,000 Peelers in the US and close to 5,000 in the UK.

Variations of the surname Peeler

The surname Peeler is an English/Irish patronymic surname derived from the Old English given name Pilār, meaning "pillar" or "pillar of strength". Although a relatively uncommon surname, Peeler is known in many English-speaking countries around the world.

Variations and spelling of the surname Peeler may include the following full and partial alternate spellings: Pealer, Pealar, Peelar, Pellar(l), Pell(e)er, Pebbles, Preller, Proller, Preeler, and Pryller.

It is also possible to find it spelling with an accent mark over the ‘e’, such as Peelér.

Lieutenant General Sir Robert Peeler SL KCB, or Sir Robert Peeler, was the son of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Robert Peel, and was active in the armed forces between 1795 and 1861.

In the US, John (or Johan) Pierre Pellier (19th century) a German emigrant is credited with bringing the name to the US, while a Joseph Peeler (born in North Carolina in 1863) can be identified as the first of the Peelers to settle down in California.

In France, the name Peeler is most likely just an alternate spelling for the more common French name Peeler. The name is derived from the old French word pèle, meaning "sheaf of hay" or "bundle of hay".

In other parts of Europe, the name Peeler is more often found as Preller, as the ‘Pilarenic’ name was more common in German-speaking countries than in the UK. The closest variant in the German language is Preller.

Finally, one should also keep in mind that Peeler may be a nickname or an occupational name for someone who peeled fruit, vegetables, or even potatoes.

Famous people with the name Peeler

• Graham Peeler, American competition show producer
• John Peeler, Canadian newspaper editor
• John Peeler Jr., Canadian television and radio host
• John Peeler III, Canadian jazz pianist
• James Peeler, professional hockey player
• Basil Peeler, British professional golfer
• Jack Peeler, British former professional football player
• Pat Peeler, British BBC sports broadcaster
• Mandy Peeler, British actress 10.Susie Peeler, British comedian

Other surnames

PeelePeelen