1. Occupational: This is the most likely origin of the surname. It derives from the Old English word "bochere," which means "butcher." The term was used to refer to a person who slaughtered animals for meat and sold their products.
2. Location: The surname may have also originated from a place called Butcher's Row or Butcher's Close in England. This name would have been given to someone who lived or worked in one of these areas.
3. Patronymic: In some cases, the surname Butcher may have been derived from a patronymic name. This means the name was formed from the given name of a father or ancestor. If a person's father was named "Butcher," their surname could be Butcher as well.
4. Nickname: The surname Butcher may have also been used as a nickname. It could have been applied to someone who was known for their skill at slaughtering animals or for their work as a butcher.
The surname Butcher is common in England, and it has also been found in other countries like the United States and Canada.