This unusual and interesting surname is of Old French origin, introduced into England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. It is one of the sizeable group of early surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of a nickname. Nicknames were bestowed in the first instance for a variety of reasons' they might refer to a person's physical attributes or peculiarities, mental or moral characteristics, supposed resemblance to an animal's or bird's appearance or disposition, or to habits of dress, or occupation. In the case of the surname Wharrier, also found as Warr, Warre, Warrier and Warrior, the nickname was for someone thought to be of a belligerent nature, or for a valiant soldier. The derivation is from the Old French "guerre", Anglo-Norman French "werre", war, with the suffix "-ier". The surname is first recorded in the early 13th Century (see below). Jordan le Werreur is listed in the Pipe Rolls of Herefordshire (1230), and Thomas le Werreur is noted in the Calendar of Pleas and Memoranda Rolls of the City of London (1324). Recordings of the surname from English Church Registers include; Elizabeth Wharryer, who married John Ellis on May 31st 1578 at Gargrave, Yorkshire; Robert Wharrier, who married Jane Mudd on April 3rd 1757 at West Tanfield, Yorkshire; and John Wharrier, who married Jane Cooper on June 20th 1864 at Manchester Cathedral, Lancashire. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Herbert le Werreur, which was dated 1202, witness in the "Assize Court Rolls of Lincolnshire", during the reign of King John, known as "Lackland", 1199 - 1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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