Surname Fernyhough - Meaning and Origin
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Fernyhough: What does the surname Fernyhough mean?
The last name Fernyhough is of English origin, born from a combination of two words: ‘fern’, which signifies a type of strong, wild plant, and ‘hough’, meaning the lower part of the leg located between the knee and ankle. As such, it is believed that the surname originated with someone who had a prominent abnormality in that area of their body. The name can also have spiritual significance, being a variant of ‘fearnough’, which historically was most commonly used as a nickname for a person with a strong faith.
The modern use of the surname likely began with a person who had the abnormality in their leg, but used it as a sign of strength and perseverance in a difficult world. The name could have become a symbolic cornerstone for successive generations - a reminder of their ancestor’s fortitude and tenacious spirit that they can strive to emulate in their own lives. That legacy is reflected today in the many diverse individuals who proudly share the name Fernyhough.
Today, when someone with the last name Fernyhough is asked about its origin, it’s a chance to tell a unique story about a courageous ancestor and the enduring legacy that remains in its wake.
Order DNA origin analysisFernyhough: Where does the name Fernyhough come from?
The last name Fernyhough is primarily associated with England. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words ferne meaning fern and hoh meaning hill. It is most commonly found in West Yorkshire, although it can also be found in various other counties within the region.
The name appears in local parish records from the 17th century onwards, indicating that this name has been in the region for many centuries. Today the name is most common in the greater Leeds area, particularly in the towns of Shipley, Guiseley and Menston. In Menston, the Fernyhough family has been located since at least the late 1600s.
Like other common English surnames, the name has been spread to other parts of the world by those who have emigrated from England. It is now found throughout Europe, the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, Fernyhough has been established in the states of California, Florida, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Regardless of where the name is located, the Fernyhough family retains its strong ties to England and its West Yorkshire roots. The Fernyhough name has survived and thrived throughout the world even after centuries and provides a lasting piece of history in many parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Fernyhough
The surname Fernyhough has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The variations mainly come from the anglicization of country-specific spellings and dialectal differences.
Common variants of Fernyhough are Fernihough, Farnihough, and Fernyhogh. Other variants include Fernyngho, Fearnyho, Fearnhogh, Fernugh, Fernaugh and Fernoyh. It also has a few historical variations, such as Fernyhoogh, Ferniho and Fernogh.
The spelling of the surname has also changed over time. For example, in 1800s England, many spellings of Fernyhough had an u instead of an o, such as Feruhough, Furuhough and Fevalehaugh.
Alternative surnames with the same origin include Fearney, Fernye, Fearny, Fearns, Feary, Ferny, Fierney, Fiery, Fairnie, and Fairney. There is also a Dutch spelling of the surname, Van Ferinyhoeve. In Scotland, the surname appears as Farniwill.
Finally, the prefixes of Fernyhough may change in some cases. For instance, Fitzfernihough, DeFarnihough and MacFarnihough are all variations of the surname that include a prefix or a suffix.
Famous people with the name Fernyhough
- John Fernyhough: John Fernyhough is a British artist and painter renowned for his bright and vivid paintings, primarily based around the landscape of Cornwall. He has exhibited around the world, from London and Los Angeles all the way to Guangzhou and Singapore.
- Frank Fernyhough: Frank Fernyhough is a British physicist and an Emeritus Professor at Durham University. Frank specialises in field theory, amongst many other subjects.
- Rowan Fernyhough :Rowan Fernyhough is a British novelist, studying for a PhD in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. They are the author of the award-winning novels ‘The Worshipful Society of Glovers’ and ‘The Gibbet’s Game’.
- Matt Fernyhough :Matt Fernyhough is a British geological engineer and paleontologist who specialises in the study of fossil identification and preservation.
- John Fernyhough Jr.: John Fernyhough Jr. is a British entrepreneur and investor who is best known for his involvement in the venture capital industry. He has worked with numerous literary agencies, investment banks and the government.
- Joe Fernyhough: Joe Fernyhough is a British music producer who is best known for his work in the drum and bass, dubstep, garage and jungle genres. He is widely recognised in the music industry due to his production work for some of the biggest artists.
- Rebecca Fernyhough: Rebecca Fernyhough is a British writer and artist who has written for various newspapers and magazines. She is also well known for her personal blog which deals with mental health topics.