Does anyone know the original spelling of the Gardner surname.

Most say it was Gardiner, and it came from the Norman French word, 'gardinier' which means gardener and the family was Anglo - Saxon.

However, it seems the Gardners were Norman French and the name was Anglo - Saxon.

The name was spelled Gardyner in early records, and by 1600 it was spelled Gardiner.

Gardyner, or GARDYNYR in Old English means the following:
'GAR' means 'spear'
'DYN' means 'sound of alarm'
'YR' means 'back of axe'

It is said that GARDYNYR, the probable original spelling, means 'one who clashes with arms'.

The GARDNER surname seems to have two meanings, one dealing with gardens and enclosures, and the other dealing with weapons and battle.

Seems the family name has a lot to do with war and peace.