The Poulter Family History

What Does the Poulter Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Poulter is of English origin, deriving from the Old French word 'poletier,' which denotes an individual engaged in the breeding or selling of poultry, particularly chickens. This surname exhibits several spelling variations, including Powlter, Puleter, Poulterer, and Pulter. The earliest records of the Poulter family can be traced back to Herefordshire, England, from where they gradually expanded throughout England and into parts of eastern Wales. Significant populations of the Poulter surname can be found in the counties of London, Surrey, Essex, Hampshire, Cambridgeshire, and Yorkshire. In Scotland, the name is present in several counties, including Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Peeblesshire, Renfrewshire, and Dunbartonshire. In the United States, families bearing the surname Poulter predominantly settled in Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, California, Utah, New York, Michigan, and Ohio. Notable individuals with this surname include Marlene Clark Poulter, a television writer; Ian Poulter, a professional golfer hailing from England; Thomas Poulter, an Arctic explorer; and Arthur Poulter, who received the Victoria Cross for bravery during World War II.