Surname Ferneyhough - Meaning and Origin
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Ferneyhough: What does the surname Ferneyhough mean?
The last name Ferneyhough is of English origin. It indicates a place of origin, derived from an Old English word meaning "fern-covered hill". It suggests that the family lived in a place that was surrounded by ferns, most likely in a rural setting.
The earliest recorded use of the name is believed to be from the 12th century in the area of Cumberland, which is present-day Cumbria, England. This suggests the family's connection to this region could have been as early as this time.
The name Ferneyhough is a relatively uncommon one and is found mostly in the north of England and parts of Scotland. It has not been adopted by families outside of its home country, although it is certainly possible to come across scattered references to it in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world.
The name carries with it a historic connection to the land and speaks to a strong sense of identity and place. The name suggests a small, closeknit family that was dedicated to its home and its heritage. In many ways, it speaks of a deep and abiding connection to the land.
Order DNA origin analysisFerneyhough: Where does the name Ferneyhough come from?
The last name Ferneyhough is most common in the United Kingdom, primarily in the area of Herefordshire in the West Midlands region. The earliest known record of the name dates back to 1206, when Robert FitzWilliam Ferneyhough was listed in the Oxfordshire Fees. In the 19th century, the name experienced a slight increase in popularity, especially as many members of the family began to populate the city of Hereford in Herefordshire, England.
Today, Ferneyhough is still relatively common in Herefordshire, as well as in other neighbouring counties such as Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. The surrounding cities, such as Hereford, Worcester, and Cheltenham, also have significant settled populations that share the Ferneyhough surname. The majority of those with the last name today are descended from the early settlers of the area.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the name has also spread to other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Nonetheless, these countries have smaller numbers ofFerneyhough individuals than in the UK, suggesting that the surname is still quite localised and associated with its original home in Herefordshire.
Variations of the surname Ferneyhough
The surname Ferneyhough can have several variations and spellings depending on the origin. Some of the variants and spellings are Fernihough, Ferneyhough, Fernyhough, Fernehough, Ferneyhaugh, Fernihaugh, Fernough, Ferneyhow, Fernihow, and Fyrnyhough. These are based on different language-based variations.
In the UK, Ferneyhough is generally derived from Old English and is thought to have originated in the English Midlands near Birmingham or Derbyshire. The original spelling of the surname probably derived from the Old English elements feren and hoh, which were both place-names meaning 'marshland and hill' respectively.
In Ireland, the Fernihough variation is found mainly in Ulster and is thought to be derived from the Scottish MacFearchar or Vaughans families. It is thought to be a variant of the Irish surname MacDermott. This would make the original spelling of Ferneyhough derived from the Gaelic elements MacFearchair andothar, with the meaning 'son of Searcher'.
In Slovakia, the surname is found mainly in eastern Slovakia and is thought to be of Slovak origin. It is derived from the elements ferina and hough, meaning 'brave man and settlement'.
In the United States, the spelling of Ferneyhough is also found, but is very rare. It is thought to have been derived from English settlers who emigrated in the 18th century, but the origin is uncertain.
Overall, Ferneyhough is a surname with several variations and spellings. These variations are linked to different language origins; English, Irish, Slovak and American. It is likely that the surname has multiple origins and is derived from different language elements with a variety of meanings.
Famous people with the name Ferneyhough
- Brian Ferneyhough: an English classical composer and music theorist.
- Frank Ferneyhough: a British actor, television host, jazz musician, and magician.
- Stan Ferneyhough: a former Canadian hockey player.
- Austin Ferneyhough: a professional Canadian soccer player.
- Noel Ferneyhough: an English actor and singer who is best known for playing the role of Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and also known for his roles in other movies such as Red Riding Hood and The Chronicles of Narnia.
- Sarah Ferneyhough: a British artist and the daughter of composer Brian Ferneyhough.
- Susanna Ferneyhough: a British British fashion designer and writer.
- Mary Ferneyhough: an actress best known for her role in the television series All Creatures Great and Small.
- Tessa Ferneyhough: a British film producer.
- Bridget Ferneyhough: a British painter.