Surname Fearnyough - Meaning and Origin
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Fearnyough: What does the surname Fearnyough mean?
The last name Fearnyough is of English origin. It is derived from Old English “Fairungh”, a name derived from the word ‘fearn’ which means fern and ‘hou’, an old word meaning hill. The name is thought to be from a location near fern-covered hills, suggesting someone who lived in a hilly area covered by ferns.
Fearnyoughs were among the earliest settlers in the British Isles, and their impact on the area is still seen today in many towns’ names that have a connection to the Fearnyough family. For example, the town of Farnham is likely derived from the Fearnyoughs’ name.
The Fearnyoughs were quite active in agricultural pursuits, and that is the reason why so many of their surnames are related to farming. Many of the earliest recorded have agricultural titles such as “yeoman” or “farmer”.
Fearnyoughs are also known for their service in the military, including service against the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the American Revolution in 1776. A Fearnyough ancestor was among the first to assume command of a British regiment during the American Revolution.
Despite the mythical qualities of their name, and the impressive contribution of the Fearnyoughs to British history, they remain one of the lesser known families in England today.
Order DNA origin analysisFearnyough: Where does the name Fearnyough come from?
Fearnyough is an uncommon surname today, with the last name most commonly found in the United Kingdom and some parts of North America. In the UK, there are around 450 people carrying the Fearnyough surname. These people are mainly concentrated in the counties of Devon and Cornwall in England.
The Fearnyough surname is believed to have originated from Devon in the 12th century. It is thought that the name is derived from an Old English name, which translates to ‘Fern-Edge’. This may have been a descriptive name used to refer to someone who lived near a ferny hill.
In the United States, the Fearnyough last name is less common but can be found in some parts of the country such as California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and New York. In the US, the Fearnyough last name is associated with people of German, Irish, and English descent.
In Australia, the last name Fearnyough is very rare and not commonly found. There are fewer than 20 people in Australia carrying the Fearnyough name.
Today, the Fearnyough surname is not particularly prominent anywhere in the world. However, if you want to trace your family history, some genealogical websites may provide useful information about the origin of the surname and the current location of people bearing it.
Variations of the surname Fearnyough
The surname Fearnyough is an English patronymic surname which originated from the given name 'Fern' or 'Fearn'. This name is derived from the Old English 'fearn', meaning 'fern', and was most likely given as a nickname for a very fern-like individual.
The variants and spellings associated with the surname Fearnyough include Farnie, Fearnie, Fearnye, Farnee, Firnee, and Fernay. The surnames Ferny, Ferni, Fernies, Ferns, Fernish, Fernes, Fernish, and Fearneys also share the same origin.
The Fearnyough surname is rare in comparison to its many variants. The 1881 UK Census showed that there were only 18 people with this name. It is more commonly found in Yorkshire, County Durham, Lancashire, and London.
Other regions where the surname Fearnyough might be found include Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Italy, America, Canada and Australia.
Researchers have found that the Fearnyough family tree is related to several other English surnames. These include Fairnie, Formby, Femery, Fearney, Farnell, Ferney, and Farndell.
Thanks to detailed records from the 19th century, it is possible to trace the Fearnyough family tree from the present to its origins in medieval England. Careful documentation allows today's descendants to understand and appreciate their ancestry.
Famous people with the name Fearnyough
- David Fearnyough: Canadian filmmaker, writer and actor
- Harry Fearnyough: professional English football player
- Robert Fearnyough: British actor
- Joshua Fearnyough: Australian professional golfer
- Violet Fearnyough: Scottish dancer
- Dexter Fearnyough: British inventor, entrepreneur and musician
- Lenna Fearnyough: American painter
- Terence Fearnyough: Australian business executive
- Abigail Fearnyough: British style icon
- Jonathan Fearnyough: British fashion designer