The name Fisher is an English occupational surname that has been used as a given name. It originates from the Old English word "fisc" or "fiscere," which means "fish" or "fisherman." The name can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 5th to 11th centuries.

In medieval times, Fisher was a common occupational surname given to individuals who worked as fishermen or fish mongers. It was a practical name that reflected the trade or profession of the person or their family. The name likely became more widespread during the Middle Ages when surnames started to become hereditary.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Fisher as a given name dates back to the late 16th century. William Fisher, an English clergyman and academic, was born in 1540 and served as the President of Queens' College, Cambridge, from 1605 to 1609.

In the 17th century, Fisher emerged as a Puritan name, particularly among English Separatists and Puritans who migrated to the American colonies. Notable individuals with this name from this period include Samuel Fisher (1605-1665), an early Quaker leader and author in England, and Mary Fisher (1623-1698), a Quaker missionary who was among the first to bring Quakerism to the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

In the late 18th century, Fisher gained some prominence as a first name among English and American families. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Fisher Ames (1758-1808), an American politician and orator who served as a Congressman from Massachusetts and played a significant role in the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Another notable figure was Fisher King (1770-1842), a renowned English writer, poet, and playwright, best known for his satirical works and his influence on the Romantic literary movement. He was a close friend and contemporary of the renowned poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

During the 19th century, the name Fisher continued to be used, though it remained relatively uncommon. One prominent individual with this name was Fisher Ames Hildreth (1838-1899), an American lawyer, author, and Union Army officer during the American Civil War.

Throughout history, the name Fisher has been associated with occupations related to fishing, as well as individuals from various backgrounds, including religious leaders, politicians, writers, and military figures. While not a widely popular name, it has maintained a presence and has been carried forward by families and individuals over several centuries.