Slaughter Family History

In East Anglia and Essex, the name Slaughter is an occupational name derived from Middle English slaughter, meaning ‘butcher’. This is a derivative of Middle English slaught, which refers to ‘butchery’, combined with the suffix -er. Additionally, it may originate from a shortened form of the synonymous Middle English term slaughterer.

In Sussex and Surrey, the name Slaughter serves as a habitational name, indicating residence at various minor place names such as Slaughter Bridge in Slinfold, Slaughter Bridge in Shipley, and Slaughterford (Farm) in Itchingfield. Other examples include the lost Slaughters in Billingshurst and Slaughterwicks Barn in Charlwood, both located in Sussex, as well as locations in Surrey.

The name may also derive from Middle English slo(gh), referring to ‘sloe’ or ‘blackthorn’ (from Old English slāh), combined with tre, meaning ‘tree’ (from Old English trēow). Alternatively, it could stem from Middle English terms sloghtre or sloghtere, which signify ‘slough’, ‘mire’, or ‘muddy place’. These terms could also refer to a ‘deep river valley’ or ‘ditch’ (from Old English slōhtre).

The latter explanation is particularly relevant in the context of Upper and Lower Slaughter, as well as The Slaughter in English Bicknor, all located in Gloucestershire. These names reflect the geographical and topographical features of the areas they designate, which have influenced the ancestry and history of the names themselves.