Surname Fernihough - Meaning and Origin
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Fernihough: What does the surname Fernihough mean?
The last name Fernihough is derived from a combination of two Anglo-Saxon words: ferne, meaning fern, and hoh, meaning small hill. Together, the two terms suggest the presence of a small hill covered in ferns – a very widespread image throughout Britain today.
The meaning of the name Fernihough is reflective of the British landscape. During medieval times, ferns covered much of the countryside. The name itself is a reminder of how much the British landscape has changed over time.
In addition to its geographic meaning, Fernihough might also be interpreted to suggest the concept of endurance. Ferns are known for their extraordinary resilience, and their ability to survive in a variety of difficult conditions. In this way, the name Fernihough might be interpreted as a source of inspiration, suggesting that it is possible to overcome great adversity.
The Fernihough surname is not terribly common, though it can be found in various parts of Britain. Today, it is often used to represent someone who is possibly of Anglo-Saxon origin, or someone with a connection to the English countryside.
Order DNA origin analysisFernihough: Where does the name Fernihough come from?
The last name Fernihough is mainly found in the United Kingdom. It is recorded in numerous counties throughout England and Wales, as well as in some parts of Scotland. Counties with significant concentrations of people with this surname include Shropshire, Cheshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. Some of the earliest known records of the name are from the west Midlands of England.
The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, most likely containing the Old English elements ‘fearn’ (fern), and ‘hoh’ (ridge), and likely refers to people who lived near a fern covered hill. The name could also possibly be derived from a person with a similar name.
Today, this surname is still found in England, but through movement and immigration over the years it can be found in other countries as well. For example, there are a few Fernihoughs in Canada and Australia, as well as various other parts of the world.
Many copies of the Fernihough surname have changed over the centuries. Variations include Farnehough, Fournich, Fernichough and Furchough.
Variations of the surname Fernihough
The surname Fernihough has a variety of spellings and variants. It can be spelled Fernihough, Ferniho, Ferinhough, Farneyho, Fairneyho, Farniagh, Farniho, Farnihue, Farnihugh, Fernagho, Fernheugh, Fernhyho, Ferniagh, Fernihue, Fernhough, Fernyhough, Ferneyho, and Ferniho; these are just some of the most commonly found variants. The origin of this surname is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged from the Old Norse word “færni”, which means “sheepfold” or “pen”. Due to the phonetic nature of the word, it is not uncommon to find variations in spelling among the different branches of the surname.
The surname Fernihough is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is also frequently seen in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Leitrim, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Westmeath, and Meath. In addition, this surname has spread to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries, often accompanied by derivative spellings such as Fernyhough, Farneyho, and Ferneyho.
The surname can also be used as a derived given name, in which case the surnames related to Fernihough are sometimes found as Fernighough, Ferniho, Ferniagh, and Fernyho. The use of these surnames as given names shows the surname’s enduring popularity in various parts of the world. All these variants of the surname Fernihough can still be found today.
Famous people with the name Fernihough
- Lucy Fernihough: British actress best known for her roles in DCI Banks and The ABC Murders.
- Henry Fernihough: English novelist who wrote best-selling books such as Flight of the Heron and The Foreign Office.
- David Fernihough: Australian rower who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
- Gordon Fernihough: British artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries across the UK.
- Bob Fernihough: English rugby player who played for Warrington and England in the 1950s and 60s.
- Carole Fernihough: British actress and owner of the now defunct independent production company Gaumont British Pictures.
- Eddie Fernihough: Professional soccer player who played for Bolton Wanderers and Bournemouth in the late 1950s and early 60s.
- Jamie Fernihough: British actor who appeared in the television series EastEnders in the early 2000s.
- Stephen Fernihough: Notable British contemporary composer and pianist whose compositions have been performed in major concert halls.
- Mark Fernihough: English filmmaker and screenwriter known for his work on the music documentaries Urban Myths and Pop Revolution.