Surname Candler - Meaning and Origin

Candler: What does the surname Candler mean?

The last name Candler is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term "candelere", which means "candle seller" or "candle maker". The term was used during the Middle Ages to refer to a person who made or sold candles, an occupation considered essential due to the lack of electric lighting in that era. Therefore, the surname typically indicated a person’s profession or trade. Notable people with the surname Candler include Asa Griggs Candler, the founder of The Coca-Cola Company. Thus, Candler is an occupational surname indicating a family’s ancient involvement in the candle making or selling trade.

Candler: Where does the name Candler come from?

The surname Candler is of English origin, derived from the Old English "candlere," meaning a maker or seller of candles. This occupational name was given to individuals who held the job of candle making during the Middle Ages. Despite the relatively simple nature of this occupation, it was vitally important in the pre-electricity era and held a significant status.

While the name originates from England, it is now found in many English-speaking countries. In England, it is especially common in the northern regions of Yorkshire and Lancashire and in the south in Hampshire. Outside of England, it's frequently encountered in the United States, prevalent in states like North Carolina, Georgia and Texas. One notable bearer of the surname in the US is Asa Griggs Candler, a businessman who in the late 19th century founded the Coca-Cola Company. The widespread distribution of the surname today is likely due to historical patterns of migration from England to other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Candler

The surname Candler originates from the Old English word 'candel', meaning candle, and was used as an occupational name for a maker or seller of candles. There are several variants and possible alternate spellings for this surname including:

1. Candler: It's the standard form and the most common spelling for this name. It is particularly common in England and the United States.

2. Candleres: This is an older form of the surname that can be found in medieval English records.

3. Candlers: An alternate spelling of Candler, especially found in American English.

4. Candelar: It seems to be an Hispanic variant, and is less common.

5. Chandlers: Although Chandler is a separate surname of its own, having similar meaning to the Candler, it could be muddled or confused due to phonetic similarity.

Surnames traced to the same roots involve

1. Candlin: It is a diminutive development of the surname Candler originating from Yorkshire in England.

2. Candle: Another variant of the Candler surname.

3. Candel: A spelling variant of Candler. It's less common but may be found in older English records.

Remember that surnames can be highly variant and the listed derivatives are only possibilities, not guarantees. Some may have evolved independently or may have different origins entirely.

Famous people with the name Candler

• Asa Griggs Candler: He was the founder of The Coca-Cola Company. He also served as Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia from 1916 to 1919.
• Charles Howard Candler: Son of Asa Griggs Candler, Charles was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was also a key figure in Emory University's history, serving as Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
• Asa Griggs Candler Jr.: Another son of Asa Griggs Candler, he was a businessman, urban developer, and philanthropist. He developed Atlanta's Briarcliff Estate into an opulent mansion and gardens.
• Herschel Vespasian Candler: He was a prominent businessman and politician, serving as a Representative in the Georgia State Legislature.
• Katharine Candler Wiley: Daughter of Asa Griggs Candler, she was an advocate for children's welfare and established the Katharine Candler Trust in her will.
• Bishop Warren Akin Candler: He was a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, a president of Emory College, and a namesake of Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
• Samuel Charles Candler: He was a prominent businessman and civic leader in Atlanta.
• John Slaughter Candler: He was an American lawyer and legislator from the state of Georgia.

Other surnames

Candle