The Evolution of Clan Frazer (Fraser)

By FrazerLiving | October 23, 2023

The origins of the Frazer family name are somewhat of a mystery. The earliest recorded versions of the name, from the 12th century, are de Fresel, de Friselle and de Freseliere, which appear to be Norman; however they have never been found in Normandy itself. The other possibility is that the name was derived from Gaelic, but no-one has been able to locate a Gaelic name from which Frazer might be derived. It is thought that it was in later years that the “fraisse,” or strawberry was adopted as part of the Armorial bearings of this family due to the similarity of the pronunciation of this French word to the Frazer surname.

Early Origins of the Frazer family

The surname Frazer was first found in Tweedale, Peebles-shire, where Sir Simon Frasee held part of the lands of Keith. There is a record of Symon Fraser giving the church of Keith to the Abbey of Kelso in Circa 1160. Early records include Gilbert Fraser, who witnessed a charter by Walter Olifard in 1210. A later Sir Simon known as “the Scottish Patriot” was a supporter of Sir William Wallace in the struggle for independence.

Frazer Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Frazer, Fraser, Frasher, Frisell, Frasee, Frazie, Frazier, Friselle, Fresser, Friser, Fryssar, Fressell, Fresal, Fresale, Frichell, Fraysser, Fresall, Fresle, Fresill, Fressair, Fraisser and many more.

Early Notables of the Frazer family (pre 1700)

Notable among the family at this time was Sir Alexander Fraser (d. 1332), Great Chamberlain of Scotland, the eldest son of Sir Andrew Fraser, who was sheriff of Stirling in 1293. [1] Sir Alexander Fraser (1537?-1623), of Philorth, was founder of Fraserburgh, and was the eldest son of Alexander Fraser, son and heir of Alexander, seventh laird of Philorth. [1] Sir Alexander Fraizer (1610?-1681), was…
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Frazer Ranking

In the United States, the name Frazer is the 4,287th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. [2]

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:


Frazer Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

  • John Frazer, who purchased land in New England in 1684
  • Margaret Frazer, who landed in the West Indies in 1684
  • John Frazer, who arrived in New Jersey in 1685 [3]

Frazer Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

  • Dunkliant Frazer, who arrived in Virginia in 1715 [3]
  • John Frazer, who settled in South Carolina in 1716
  • Daniel Frazer, who landed in South Carolina in 1716 [3]
  • Hugh Frazer, who arrived in Georgia in 1735 [3]
  • Robert Frazer, with his wife, Mary McLean, and six children, settled in New York in 1739
  • … (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
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Frazer Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

  • William Frazer, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1803 [3]
  • Duncan Frazer, aged 51, who landed in Ohio in 1812 [3]
  • Francis Frazer, aged 23, who arrived in Virginia in 1813 [3]
  • Jane Frazer, who arrived in New York, NY in 1815 [3]
  • Joseph Frazer, who arrived in New York, NY in 1815 [3]
  • … (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
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