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Butler History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Sources

Butler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Ireland

Etymology of Butler

What does the name Butler mean?

The Butler surname came to Ireland with the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, led by the forces of Strongbow. The surname came from a common occupational name for a wine steward or the chief servant of a medieval household. In royal households, the title denoted a high-ranking officer whose duties as a wine steward were merely nominal. Occupational surnames, such as Butler were much quite common to the Anglo-Norman culture, and virtually unknown in Gaelic Irish. The prefix le, meaning the, in French was often used by the early Strongbownians to link a person's first and name and surname. Eventually these prefixes were dropped or became fused onto the beginning of the surname. The surname Butler is derived from Anglo-French "butuiller," which comes from the Old French word "bouteillier." These words are ultimately derived from the Latin words "buticularius," and "buticula," which mean "bottle." The Gaelic form of the surname Butler is de Buitléir.

Early Origins of the Butler family

The surname Butler was first found in the ancient territory of Ormond (now parts of County Kilkenny, Wexford and north Tipperary). The first on record was Theobald FitzWalter, a distinguished Norman noble who accompanied Strongbow and was created the Chief Butler of Ireland in 1177. "He also possessed the barony of Amounderness, Lancashire, which he held in 1165 by service of one knight." 1

"Layton, [Lancashire] is mentioned in the Domesday Survey, and in former times was of some importance as containing a mansion belonging to the ancient family of Botiller or Butler, barons of Warrington." 2 His descendents began to use the surname Butler around the year 1220. His direct descendant became Earl of Ormond in 1328 and their stronghold was Kilkenny castle. The family were rivals of the powerful Fitzgeralds and their kin, and the effective government of Ireland was held by one or the other of these two great Norman houses until the death of the Great Duke of Ormond in 1688.

Many members of the family were ardent Jacobites, including the Abbé James Butler of Nantes, who was chaplain to "Bonnie Prince Charlie" during the last Jacobite uprising of 1745. Despite the strong Irish side of the family, the English side remained strong too. Laughton-En-Le-Morthen in the West Riding of Yorkshire was the site of one such family. "Laughton Hall, the ancient seat of the Butler family, is a spacious mansion, commanding extensive views." 2

Early History of the Butler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Butler research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1250, 1359, 1382, 1384, 1386, 1388, 1389, 1390, 1391, 1392, 1397, 1401, 1405, 1467, 1496, 1531, 1539, 1546, 1601, 1614, 1627, 1650, 1652, 1653, 1667, 1704, 1740, 1745, 1762 and 1823 are included under the topic Early Butler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Butler Spelling Variations

A single person's name was often spelt simply as it sounded by medieval scribes and church officials. An investigation into the specific origins the name Butler has revealed that such a practice has resulted in many spelling variations over the years. A few of its variants include: Butler, Buttler, McRichard and others.

Early Notables of the Butler family

James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond (1359-1405), noble in the Peerage of Ireland, title was Governer of Ireland, acceded to the title in 1382 and built Gowran Castle three years later making it his usual...
Piers Butler, 8th Earl of Ormond and 1st Earl of Ossory (c. 1467-1539)
James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond and 2nd Earl of Ossory (1496-1546)
Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormonde and 3rd Earl of Ossory, Viscount Thurles (c. 1531-1614), was an Irish peer
Piers FitzThomas Butler of Duiske (died 1601), was the illegitimate son of Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond
Sir Edward Butler, 1st Viscount Galmoye (d. 1653)
Piers Butler of Duiske, Barrowmount, County Kilkenny (died 1650)
Edward Butler, 2nd Viscount Galmoye (c.1627-1667)
Pierce Butler (1652-1740), third Viscount Galway
Abbé James Butler, Chaplain to Bonny Prince Charles in 1745

Butler World Ranking

the United States, the name Butler is the 91^st most popular surname with an estimated 226,317 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Butler is ranked the 246^th most popular surname with an estimated 16,459 people with that name. 4 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Butler is the 12^nd popular surname with an estimated 963 people with that name. 5 Australia ranks Butler as 94^th with 26,467 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Butler as 147^th with 3,401 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Butler as 98^th with 48,623 people. 8

Butler migration to the United States +

Ireland went through one of the most devastating periods in its history with the arrival of the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. Many also lost their lives from typhus, fever and dysentery. And poverty was the general rule as tenant farmers were often evicted because they could not pay the high rents. Emigration to North America gave hundreds of families a chance at a life where work, freedom, and land ownership were all possible. For those who made the long journey, it meant hope and survival. The Irish emigration to British North America and the United States opened up the gates of industry, commerce, education and the arts. Early immigration and passenger lists have shown many Irish people bearing the name Butler:

Butler Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Samuel Butler, who landed in America in 1620 10
John Butler, who arrived in Virginia in 1622 10
Francis Butler, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1624-1625 aboard the ship "Francis Bonaventure" 10
Richard Butler, who arrived in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1632 10
Robert Butler, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Richard Butler, who landed in Virginia in 1701 10
Alice Butler, who landed in Virginia in 1702 10
Bridgett Butler, who arrived in Virginia in 1704 10
Edward Butler, who arrived in Virginia in 1706 10
Simon Butler, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1710 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Anthony Butler, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1803 10
Daniel Butler, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1806 10
Andrew Butler, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 10
Eliza Butler, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 10
George Butler, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. John Butler, (b. 1870), aged 33, Cornish miner, from Redruth, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Aurania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 12th August 1903 en route to Silverton, Colorado, USA 11

Butler migration to Canada +

Butler Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Edward Butler, who arrived in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
Richard Butler, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1750
John Butler, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Edward Butler, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1752
Mr. Elias Butler U.E. who settled in Eastern District [Cornwall], Ontario c. 1783 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Alice Elizabeth Butler, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1810
Elizabeth Alice Butler, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1818
Catherine Butler, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1818
Michael Butler, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1824
James Butler, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1825
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Miss Mary Butler, (Desmond), (d. 1802), Irish settler convicted in London, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing beans, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 9
Mr. Joseph Butler, (1767 - 1836), aged 22, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1786, sentenced to 7 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
Miss Mary Butler, (1769 - 1812), aged18, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10

Second Fleet

Mr. Thomas Butler, (d. 1791), British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Active" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 10

Third Fleet

Mr. William Butler, (b. 1767), aged 20, Irish settler convicted in London on 7th July 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10

Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Butler Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Jeremiah Butler, British Convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Miss Mary Butler, (b. 1786), aged 28, Irish servant who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Francis and Eliza" on 15th December 1814, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
Mr. Robert Butler, English convict who was convicted in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Fanny" on 25th August 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. John Butler, (1766 - 1833), aged 50, British tailor who was convicted in Cannonore, India for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Frederick" on 30th November 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
Henry Butler, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Almorah" on April 1817, settling in New South Wales, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Butler Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

J G Butler, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1823
Thomas Butler, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836
Mr. B. Butler, Cornish settler travelling from Launceston, UK aboard the ship "Brazil Packet" arriving in New Zealand in 1836 17
Thomas Charles Butler, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
Thomas Charles Butler, aged 31, a carpenter, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Coromandel" in 1840
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Butler migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Butler Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. John Butler, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from Gravesend, England aboard the ship "Falcon" arriving in Barbados in 1636 19

Contemporary Notables of the name Butler (post 1700) +

Wilmer Cable "Bill" Butler (1921-2023), American Academy Award nominated cinematographer, known for his work on The Conversation (1974), Jaws (1975), three Rocky sequels and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Bill Butler (1937-2025), American professional football player who was a defensive back and halfback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings
Jerry Butler Jr. (1939-2025), American soul singer-songwriter, producer, musician, and politician, the original lead singer of the R&B vocal group The Impressions, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, after leaving the group in 1960, achieved over 55 Billboard Pop and R&B Chart hits as a solo artist including "He Will Break Your Heart", "Let It Be Me", and "Only the Strong Survive", inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015
Jimmy Butler III (b. 1989), American professional NBA basketball former player for the Miami Heat, nicknamed "Jimmy Buckets", a six-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA Team member, and a five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member
Alonzo Butler (1979-2024), American heavyweight boxer
Robert Stanton Butler (1927-2023), American film and Emmy Award-winning television director, best known for his work in television including Star Trek, Hogan's Heroes, Batman and Hill Street Blues
Austin Robert Butler (b. 1991), American Golden Globe Award, BAFTA winning actor, and Academy Award nominee known for Life Unexpected (2010–2011), Switched at Birth (2011–2012) and Elvis (2022)
Michael Butler (1926-2022), American theatrical producer best known for bringing the rock musical Hair from the Public Theater to Broadway in 1968
LeRoy Butler III (b. 1968), American former professional football player who was a strong safety for twelve seasons with the Green Bay Packers (1990–2001), inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022
... (Another 44 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Butler family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Mrs. Rae Jeanne Butler (1936-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Waihi Beach, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 20
Miss Rose Butler (d. 1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21
Mrs. Ethel Butler (1893-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 22
Mr. Kenneth Norman Hilton Butler (1920-1941), Australian Supply Assistant from South Perth, Western Australia, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 23
Mr. Stanley Wilfred Butler (1917-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Devonport, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 24
... (Another 32 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sources +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Almorah voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1817 with 180 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/almorah/1817
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp