Explore the Family Name Verdier

The meaning of Verdier

1. French: occupational name for a forester, Old French verdier (from Late Latin viridarius, a derivative of viridis ‘green’). The medieval officials in charge of a forest were known as verdiers on account of their green costumes, which may be regarded as an early example of camouflage. 2. French (southern): topographic name for someone who lived near an orchard or garden, from Occitan verdier ‘orchard’ (from Late Latin viridiarium), or a habitational name from (Le) Verdier, the name of several places in the southern part of France, named with this word. 3. English: rare surname of Norman (and Huguenot) origin, from Anglo-Norman French verder ‘verderer, judicial officer of a royal forest’ (see 1 above). As a surname of Huguenot origin it is also from Occitan verdier ‘orchard’ (see 2 above). History: The surname Verdier of French origin is listed in the register of Huguenot ancestors recognized by the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. Some characteristic forenames: French Celine, Henri, Jacques, Monique, Philippe.

Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.