Floater Family History

Perhaps for a boatman or sailor from a derivative of Middle English flote flout floit flute (Old English flota) ‘(flat-bottomed?) boat’. This is compatible with the occupation of Rog. Floyter fisshmanger 1381 in York Freemen's Register. See also Floate.

Alternatively, for one who makes or uses a float, Middle English flote (+ -er) refers to a ‘tool for smoothing the surface of something’, such as a bow or a pewter vessel, as noted in recorded examples in MED. See also Floate.