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The English surname Parmenter is occupational in origin, being one of those names derived from the type of work a man once did or the profession he pursued. In this case it is derived from the Old French word "parmentier, parmtier," a tailor (ultimately from the Latin "paro", to prepare), and simply simply denotes one whose profession this was. The soup "potage Parmentier" is from an eighteenth century French potato-grower of that name.
Early recorded instances of this surname, introduced into England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066, included a reference to Robert Parmenter in the Pipe Rolls for Leicestershire in 1177 and Umfridus Parmentier in the Pipe Rolls for Oxfodshire in 1204 and Robert Le Parinter in the Assiase Rolls for Worcestershire in 1221. Finally, William Parmater appears in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1381 and Thomas Parmiter in the Hearth Tax Returns for Suffolk in 1674. There are four instances of the name listed in the London Commercial Directory of 1870 and thirteen instances in the Boston (U.S.) Directory of 1886.
Modern variants of Parmenter include Parmiter and Parmater.
Blazon of Arms:: Gules two lions rampant respectant argent supporting a palm or.
Translation: The background colour gules (red) signifies Military Fortitude and Magnanimity. The lion denotes Courage, and Generosity and a Foe to Fear.
Crest: Thress ostrich plumes proper.
Origin: England
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