Surname Fermor - Meaning and Origin

Fermor: What does the surname Fermor mean?

The surname Fermor, of Old French derivation, means "farmer." It is an occupational surname, a type of surname that was given based on the kind of work a person did. The name Fermor originally denoted someone who was a tax farmer. A tax farmer was a person who undertook the collection of taxes, tariffs, and such for a certain area or a specific item in return for a certain commission. The role was common in many countries until modern methods of state tax collection replaced it in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably, the Fermor family held a family seat in Buckinghamshire, England from early times. They were important landholders, playing significant roles in local political and social affairs. Hence, the surname has both a connection to agriculture (farmer) and tax farming. It is worth mentioning that surnames' meanings can differ based on geographical regions and their cultural context; the aforementioned meaning primarily applies to its usage in England and France.

Fermor: Where does the name Fermor come from?

The surname Fermor is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from an occupational name for a tax gatherer. It has its roots in the Old English term "fēormere," which translates to "farmer." However, in this context it refers to one who was a collector of rent and food rents, which was a form of tax in those times. The first recorded spelling of this family name is shown as "le Fermer," dating back to 1255, in the "Middle English Occupational Terms" for Hampshire.

Over the years, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved and different branches of the family might use variants such as Farmer, Fermor, and Fermoys. Today, the surname Fermor is rare, with its bearers scattered across the globe. It is observed amongst families in England but the exact prevalence is hard to ascertain. It gained significant recognition from British travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor. Despite its Anglo-Saxon roots, it's not particularly common in any specific region today. The name is held by a few individuals across various countries, few among which are the United States, Britain, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Fermor

The surname Fermor is of Old French origin. In Old French, "fermier" is used for tax farmer, a job where one collects taxes and rent for the crown. Thus, Fermor might mean 'the farmer' or 'tax collector.' There are several spelling variants and similar surnames due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, and immigration.

Spelling and variations encompass Fermor, Farmer, Fermour, Fermoys, Fermer, Fermo, and Fermore, among others. It is reported that one branch of the Fermor family added another 'r' to make it Fermorr for distinction. Another high-status branch became the Earls of Pomfret, where Pomfret may also be used as a variant.

Sometimes the surname, especially in American records, may be recorded under the phonetic spelling 'Farmor.' In some records, the names can be interchanged or misinterpreted due to handwriting or transcription errors. Translated versions of this surname may also exist in different languages; for example, in many South American records, Fermor might be replaced with the Spanish 'Granjero' or the Portuguese 'Fazendeiro.'

Therefore, while researching genealogy or historical data, it is always recommended to search for several variations of the surname Fermor.

Famous people with the name Fermor

• Patrick Leigh Fermor: He was an English author, scholar, and soldier, best known for his travel writings. He was also a decorated war hero for his service during World War II.
• Lady Catherine Mary Fermor-Hesketh: She is a British peeress and widow of Sir Walter Floyd, 4th and last Baronet of Laxton. Her second husband was Frederick Fermor-Hesketh, 2nd Baron Hesketh.
• Baroness Mary Dorothea Elisabeth Gertrude Fermor-Hesketh: She is a British peeress through her marriage to Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, 8th and last Baronet Fermor-Hesketh, of Hesketh.
• Lord Thomas Fermor-Hesketh: He is the third Baron Hesketh who has held a number of government positions in the United Kingdom.
• Charlotte Maria Shaw Fermor, 4th Baroness Braye : She was the daughter of Hon. George Augustus Frederick Cowper, eldest son of Peter Clavering-Cowper, 5th Earl Cowper and Hon. Frances Dorothy Fermor, daughter of George James Fermor, 3rd Earl of Pomfret.
• Henry Fermor, 1st Baron Fermor: He was an Irish peer and Member of Parliament for County Louth.
• Thomas Fermor, 1st Earl of Pomfret: He was a British peer who served as Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.

Other surnames

Fermour