Philer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Philer

The name Philer has two possible origins. It may come from the Middle English word "file," meaning "file," in which case it is likely an occupational name for someone who made or used files (the abrading tool). The other possibility is that this name could also come from the Olde French word "fil" or "thread," in which case the name could still be occupational in origin, but for a spinner or tailor. 1

Early Origins of the Philer family

Early History of the Philer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Philer research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1309 is included under the topic Early Philer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Philer Spelling Variations

Anglo-Norman names are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. When the Normans became the ruling people of England in the 11th century, they introduced a new language into a society where the main languages of Old and later Middle English had no definite spelling rules. These languages were more often spoken than written, so they blended freely with one another. Contributing to this mixing of tongues was the fact that medieval scribes spelled words according to sound, ensuring that a person's name would appear differently in nearly every document in which it was recorded. The name has been spelled Filer, Filur, Fyler, Philer and others.

Early Notables of the Philer family

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

Migration of the Philer family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that plagued their homeland made the frontiers of the New World an attractive prospect. Thousands migrated, aboard cramped disease-ridden ships. They arrived sick, poor, and hungry, but were welcomed in many cases with far greater opportunity than at home in England. Many of these hardy settlers went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Among early immigrants bearing the name Philer or a variant listed above were: George Filer, who came to Northampton, Massachusetts in 1662; Walter Filer, who arrived in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1634; John Filer, who came to New England in 1666.