Meaning & Origin
A surname. A surname originating as a patronymic derived from a medieval given name, from Germanic war, warin "cautious; heedful; wary; watchful" + her, heri "army", modern German Werner. A surname originating as an occupation, reduced from Warrener.
Warner is a boy's and girl's baby name of German origin, from the Germanic elements warin ('watchful, cautious') and heri ('army'), meaning 'watchful warrior' or 'cautious soldier.' As a surname it gave the world Warner Bros. studios; as a first name it has an old-money, New England quality.
Warner has the distinguished, understated character of names like Parker, Walker, and Carter — surnames that work beautifully as first names. It sounds like old libraries and good whiskey, like someone who considers carefully before speaking. A name with backbone and restraint.