Show ContentsGlaisher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Glaisher

What does the name Glaisher mean?

The name Glaisher comes from one of the family having worked as a person who worked as a glazier. The surname was originally derived from the Old English word glaes, which described a person who manufactured glass objects.

"The different forms of this name in the London Directory are Glaisher, Glaser, Glasier, Glaysher, Glazer, and Glazier. Other surnames from the manufacture of glass are Glasswright and Glassman." 1

Early Origins of the Glaisher family

The surname Glaisher was first found in Yorkshire where Adam Glasere was the first listing of the family appearing in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 1

As a truly occupational name Thomas le glasyer was listed in Cornwall in 1297. Later, Robert le Glasiere was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Essex in 1327. 2

Early History of the Glaisher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Glaisher research. Another 102 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1379 and 1560 are included under the topic Early Glaisher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Glaisher Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Glaisher have been found, including: Glazier, Glazer, Glasier and others.

Early Notables of the Glaisher family

More information is included under the topic Early Glaisher Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Glaisher family to Ireland

Some of the Glaisher family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Glaisher family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Glaisher, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : John Glazier, who purchased land at Woburn, Massachusetts, about the year 1640; Conrad Glazier, who came to New York in 1847; and Anthony Glazier, who settled in Ohio in 1853..



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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