tarner

Tarner refers to a surname of English origin. It is believed to derive from the Middle English word "tarner" or "tarnier," which denoted someone who worked with tar. Tar was a valuable commodity in medieval times, used for waterproofing ships, preserving wood, and in various medicinal applications. Therefore, the surname likely indicated a trade or profession related to the production or sale of tar.

Variations of the surname include Tarner, Tanner (though Tanner more commonly refers to leatherworkers), and Tarnier. Like many occupational surnames, Tarner would have been passed down through families, indicating a lineage engaged in this specific trade. The distribution of the surname across different regions would have been influenced by the availability of resources and the demand for tar. Historical records show the surname appearing in England from the medieval period onwards. Modern bearers of the Tarner surname can be found in various countries, reflecting historical migration patterns.