Surname Draper - Meaning and Origin
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Redefining the Draper Surname and My Identity: A Journey Through iGENEA DNA Test Results
The journey through my iGENEA DNA test results has redefined my perceptions about my lineage and connection with the Draper surname. This exploration has not only uncovered surprising ethnic roots but has also added new layers of depth and meaning to my identity.
S. Draper
read moreDraper: What does the surname Draper mean?
The last name Draper originates from the occupation in the textiles industry. The Old French word "drapier" or the Middle English "draper" refers to a dealer in drapery, or cloth and textiles. A person with this surname was likely a cloth maker or seller during medieval times, reflecting a time when surnames often denoted a person's profession. It became a popular surname in England following the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Notable figures with this surname include the fictional character Don Draper from the television series "Mad Men," and real-life figures like the American businessman and venture capitalist, Tim Draper. Despite its origins in the work of a cloth dealer, the surname has no particular modern connotation beyond its historical meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisDraper: Where does the name Draper come from?
The last name Draper is of English and French origins. In Medieval England, it was used as an occupational surname, reflecting a person's job or profession. A 'draper' was a merchant who dealt in cloth or dry goods, based on the Old French word "drap," meaning "cloth". The English adopted this term from the French, and individuals who held this job started being referred to as drapers.
The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of William le Drapier, which was dated 1188, in the records of the Templars (Knights Templar, a Christian military order) in England. Today, the surname Draper is common in English-speaking countries, specifically, in England, the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is especially popular in the United States, ranking as the 821st most common surname as per the 2010 census. In England, the concentration of the Draper surname is the highest in East Midlands, particularly in Leicestershire.
Variations of the surname Draper
The surname "Draper" is of an occupational origin and traces back to Old French "drapier" or "drapiers," which means cloth dealer. Over time, several variant spellings have emerged, shaped by regional dialects, phonetic spellings, and cultural adaptations.
Some of the common spellings of the surname Draper include Drapper, Drape, Drapier, Drapere, Drapyer, and Drappers. Other spellings that have been found in historical documents include Draperus, Drappier, and Drapar.
A few surnames share the same occupational origin as "Draper." These include "Drapkin," which derives from adding the diminutive suffix -kin to Drap-, "Drapman" and "Draps," demonstrating the same relationship to the drapery trade. Moreover, "Clothier" and "Mercer," other occupational surnames connected to cloth or textile dealing, could be considered of the same origin.
It's important to note that the variety of spellings and related surnames can be much broader. Researching familial connections, location, and history can further reveal interrelated names. It's also worth mentioning that surnames of the same origin can vary immensely across different languages and cultures. For instance, the Spanish or Italian equivalent of "Draper" might not bear any phonetic resemblance to the original name.
Famous people with the name Draper
- Don Draper: Although not a real person, this character from the television series "Mad Men" is one of the most recognizable names with the surname Draper.
- Polly Draper: An American actress, writer, producer, and director noted for her work in "Obvious Child" and "The Tic Code."
- Jesse Draper: An American actress, she's known for her interview series "The Valley Girl Show" and is the daughter of renowned venture capitalist, Tim Draper.
- Tim Draper: An American venture capitalist, he co-founded Draper Fisher Jurvetson, a leading investment firm in the technology industry
- William Henry Draper III: Although his fame is mostly in economic circles, he's known as one of the pioneers of venture capitalism.
- Ruth Draper: A renowned actress and monologist, considered by many as a precursor of modern one-woman shows.
- Alfred Draper: An English cricketer who played during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Henry Draper: An American physician and astronomer, known for his contributions to the development of astrophotography.
- Lyman C. Draper: An American historian, known for his work compiling historical information about the northern Appalachian region.
- Paul Draper: British lead vocalist of the rock band Mansun.