Sawyer Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Sawyer Name Meaning: An occupational name for someone who is employed to 'saw' wood. Middle English 'saghier' a derivative of 'sagh(en)' meaning 'to saw'.

The process of preparing 'sawn timber' was an absolute necessity during medieval life,without it life would have been impossible.

Discover how your Sawyer ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Sawyer Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Sawyer family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 734
Agricultural Labourer 157
Labourer 95
General Servant 52
Domestic Servant 48
Dress Maker 42
Laundress 39
Ag Labourer 38
Servant 28
Carpenter 27
Annuitant 24
Gardener 24
Cook 21
Farm Labourer 21
Blacksmith 20
House Keeper 17
Lace Maker 15
Butcher 13
Groom 12
Shepherd 12
Errand Boy 12
Grocer 11
Milliner 11
Coachman 11
Boot Maker 11

Sawyer Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Sawyer 100% 41,332
2 Swyer 83% 1,575
3 Swayer 67% 184
4 Sawayer 86% 143

Did you know?

The surname Sawyer is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Sawyer family