Dipper Family History

Probably mostly a variant of Diaper (from the Anglo-Norman surname d'Ypre) with the vowel shortened in Middle English, but some bearers listed below may belong at (2).

Perhaps in some instances from Middle English dip(p)er, recorded as a term for some kind of diving bird (maybe the dabchick or the water ousel now commonly called the dipper) and possibly used of a human diver—one who dives to harvest oysters or to mend boats, weirs, or fishing nets. Compare Diver.

Alternatively, it might be an unrecorded agent derivative of Middle English dippen ‘to immerse (something),’ possibly therefore an occupational name for a dyer of cloth.

For potential medieval bearers in SW and W England see Diaper, although none have the tell-tale definite article.