Treacher

Recorded in the spellings of Treacher, Trickett, Troucher, Traker, Tricker, Treker, Troctor, and possibly other forms, this unusual surname is of medieval 12th century English origin. It is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames for occupations. These nicknames were given with reference to a variety of characteristics, of which the work caried out by the person was the most usual form of identity. The derivation, in this instance, is from the Middle English "trich", ultimately from the Old French "triche", meaning literally a cunning or crafty person, or perhaps given the robust humour of the period, the reverse! It was obviously complimentary, or it would not have survived in so many spellings.In our opinion the surname was probably an occupational nickname for a magician or conjuror, one who accompanied the many travelling theatres of the medieval period. It is one of the earliest recorded and examples include Gilbert Trykere, in the Colchester, Essex, register of the year 1260, and Adam le Trikur in the register of the Manor of Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1275. Other examples include Ann Trickar, christened at St. Botolph without Aldgate, London, in 1598, John Tricker, christened at St. Dunstan's, Stepney in 1601, and William Truker, married at St Georges chapel, Mayfair, London, on January 16th 1729.. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ralph Trichet, which was dated 1130, in the Pipe Rolls of the county of Middlesex, during the reign of King Henry 1st, known as "The Administrator", 1100 - 1135.