Lister Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Lister Name Meaning: Occupational for a 'textile dyer',from middle english 'litster'meaning 'to dye'.

The name is of medieval origin dating back to the 13th century.The earliest recording is that of 'Ralph Litster',dated 1286.

Discover how your Lister ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Lister Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Lister family

Profession Census Frequency
Female Servant 144
Agricultural Labourer 138
Independent 138
Farmer 74
Labourer 68
Male Servant 46
Coal Miner 42
Shoe Maker 36
Wool Comber 31
Stuff Weaver 26
Cotton Weaver 25
Weaver 24
Clothier 24
Ag Labourer 23
Butcher 22
Dress Maker 19
Stone Mason 17
Blacksmith 16
Joiner 14
Pupil 13
Tailor 13
Independant 12
Grocer 11
Woollen Weaver 11
Cloth Dresser 11

Lister Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Lister 100% 54,853
2 Lester 83% 34,712
3 Laister 86% 1,708
4 Lyster 83% 1,202
5 Leister 86% 940
6 Laster 83% 903
7 Loster 83% 493
8 Luster 83% 259
9 Alister 86% 247
10 Elster 67% 158
11 Leaster 71% 145
12 Lestor 67% 101

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The surname Lister is the most popular version of all its varients

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