Surname Follis - Meaning and Origin

Follis: What does the surname Follis mean?

The surname Follis is of French origin, deriving from the Old French word "fol", meaning "fool" or "jester." The name might have initially been a nickname given to someone who played the fool or jester, a role often associated with jesting, joking, and entertainment in the medieval period. Over time, this nickname might have transformed into a surname and passed down through generations. Other interpretations suggest it could have been given to someone who behaved foolishly or in a silly manner. In addition, Follis is also a term used in ancient Roman times to describe a large bronze coin. It is crucial to note that surnames had various origins and could often indicate occupation, residence, patronage, or personal characteristics, and their meanings and implications could vary across different regions and times.

Follis: Where does the name Follis come from?

The surname Follis is of French origin, derived from the Old French "fol," meaning "fool," often given as a nickname to someone who acted the fool. In ancient times, playing the fool had an important role in festivals and in reducing tension in difficult situations. The name could also be occupational for someone who worked as a professional jester. The name migrated to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Over time, it has also been spelled as Foll, Fowle, Fowl, and Foul among others.

Further research also suggests that there may be a link to the Roman Empire as Follis was the name of a type of large Roman coin.

In the modern era, Follis is a relatively uncommon name. Using surname distribution data, it seems to be most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the mid-western and southern regions. It is somewhat common in parts of France and England, but overall it is not a frequently encountered surname worldwide. As of the beginning of the 21st century, Follis was the 18,297th most common surname in the United States.

Variations of the surname Follis

The surname Follis likely originated from the late Roman and Byzantine currency of the same name. Other variations of the surname Follis may include Fellis, Phyllis, and Follas. Also, there are possibilities of connection with similar sounding names like Folli or Follini from Italy, which could have been Anglicized to Follis over time.

The name could have regional variations as well, depending on the country of origin. For instance, in Italy you could find Folloni, Folli, Follisio; In the United Kingdom, its variants may include Phillis or Fellis; in France, Follis is often spelled as Follies or Follie.

But such assumptions would be purely speculative, and finding the exact derivations would require a more intricate genealogical research. Please take these suggestions as a starting point for further research as these might not be the only possible variants, spellings or surnames of the same origin for the surname Follis.

However, while connecting different variations, one must be cautious, as surnames that appear to be derived from one another might be purely coincidental; hence, thorough genealogical research is often necessary.

Famous people with the name Follis

• Ruth Follis: She was an American artist, best known for her equestrian-themed bronze sculptures. Her work has been displayed in prestigious galleries and museums across the United States.
• Edward Follis: Former DEA Agent and author of the book "The Dark Art: My Undercover Life in Global Narco-terrorism."
• Tim Follis: A British composer and sound designer known for his work on video games such as "Battlefield 1" and "Medieval II: Total War."
• Justin Follis: An actor best known for his role in the series "Just Roll with It."
• Kim Follis: A recognized personality in the computer games industry, having served as CEO of various gaming companies.
• Jon Follis: A noted sculptor who has worked on projects for both private collections and public spaces. Please note that the popularity of these persons may vary due to differing fields of expertise and regional recognition.

Other surnames

Follini