Skip to main content

Updated June 9, 2019

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).

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe