indicate the level to which a name has been verified.Type Surname (from given name, from occupation & from nickname)
Usage Italian
Other Forms FormsTagliaferro, Taliaferro, Telfer, Tolliver (Anglicized)
Meaning & History
From Italian tagliare "to cut" and ferro "iron", an occupational name for an ironworker, or a nickname for a strong or ferocious fighter, one who was adept at cutting through the cuirass of the enemy with his sword. It could also derive from a personal name of the same meaning (see Telfer).