Surname Fernihaugh - Meaning and Origin
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Fernihaugh: What does the surname Fernihaugh mean?
The last name Fernihaugh is a Scottish/Irish name of Norse origins. The name is derived from two Old Norse elements, “fjorn” which means “wormwood” and “haugr” meaning “mound” of “hill”, combined to create Fernihaugh or Fjornhaugh, meaning “wormwood hill”. It is believed the name refers to a specific location—a hill in Scotland that was rich in wormwood shrubs.
The first documented occurrence of the surname is in the 13th century, when a William of Fjornhaugh was recorded in documents from 1292. Over the centuries, the name evolved to Fernyhaugh, Fernhaugh, Firneyhaugh, Farnyhaugh and finally, Fernihaugh.
Today, the surname is still quite common in Scotland, especially in Fife and East Lothian. It is also used in Northern Ireland, particularly in County Donegal.
The modern meaning of the Fernihaugh surname is “wormwood hill” and carries with it a strong connection to Scottish and Irish culture and heritage. As such, the surname is a reminder of a time when the land was protected by those who spent their days tending to the land, preserving its heritage and nourishing future generations.
Order DNA origin analysisFernihaugh: Where does the name Fernihaugh come from?
The last name Fernihaugh is a relatively uncommon surname. It is, however, known to have originated in Scotland, specifically in the regions of Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire. The last name appears to have first appeared in Scotland during the 16th century.
Today, the last name is still quite common in Scotland and is to be found mostly in the central belt of Scotland. It is also found in Ireland, especially in Donegal, with a scattering of individuals in other parts of the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Outside the British Isles, particularly in Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the United States, the surname is known to be particularly common amongst descendants of Scottish immigrants. Interestlingly, it is even recorded in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar).
Among the individuals who share the name affiliated with professional sports is the English professional Rugby League player Connor Fernihaugh.
Variations of the surname Fernihaugh
The Fernihaugh surname is an old Scottish surname derived from the small town of Fernihaugh, in Northumbria, England. It has been commonly found in Northern England and Scotland since medieval times.
The surname may have an alternate spelling or two. These could include Fernhaugh, Verday, Verde, Verdehaugh, Vernay, Vernac, Varnah, Vernow, Verney, Vernee, and Vernice. All of these variants are ultimately derived from the Old English words ‘fers’ and ‘hege’, together meaning ‘a boundary hedge’ - referring to the protective defence system that was built around Fernihaugh during the 11th century.
Variations of the surname Fernihaugh might also include family names that stem from this particular Scottish origin. These include Fernhough, Fernhook, Fernhue, Fernhig, Fernich, Farning, Fernsill, Fernaugh, and Cornwell.
The variant 'Fernhaugh' also has a German origin, where it existed as 'Farnacher' from the 13th century onward. The German translation means 'from the fern meadow'.
The surname Fernihaugh is therefore based on the area where it was first found, and different spellings and related surnames have since emerged over time to reflect the changing language and speech patterns of that era.
Famous people with the name Fernihaugh
- Jessica Fernihaugh: American actress known for her roles in shows such as Once Upon a Time and The Man in the High Castle.
- Thomas Fernihaugh: British actor who appeared in the national television soap opera Coronation Street.
- John Fernihaugh: Canadian politician and member of the House of Commons of Canada from 1979 to 1980.
- Rachel Fernihaugh: Australian composer and pianist, who has written and performed music for film, television, and advertising.
- Richard Fernihaugh: British actor best known for his role as Dr. Greene in the BBC television show Holby City.
- David Fernihaugh: Australian musician and songwriter, who was the former lead singer of Midnight Oil.
- Michael Fernihaugh: American lawyer and former US congressman for the state of Michigan.
- Clement Fernihaugh: French actor who has performed in numerous television shows and movies.
- Patrick Fernihaugh: Irish rugby union player who represented Ireland at both the 1991 and 1995 Rugby World Cups.
- Scott Fernihaugh: Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for six seasons.
- Brian Fernihaugh: Canadian engineer and aeronautical archeologist who researches the history of the aerospace industry.
- D.J. Fernihaugh: American writer and editor, who has published several novels and short stories.
- John Wilson Fernihaugh: British author best known for his novel The Sea Road.
- William Fernihaugh: Scottish civil engineer and architect who was instrumental in the construction of many of the bridges in Edinburgh.