Family name origins & meanings
- English (of Norman origin) and French : occupational name for a forester, Old French verdier (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.
- Southern French : topographic name for someone who lived near an orchard or garden, or an occupational name for someone who was employed in one, from Occitan verdier ‘orchard’ (Late Latin virid(i)arium).