Surname Forth - Meaning and Origin
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Forth: What does the surname Forth mean?
The surname Forth is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a locational name derived from places named "Forth" in Northumberland, Enniskillen, and the region around the River Forth in Scotland. The name is derived from the Old English "ford," a watercourse or a crossing, or from the Old Norse "fjordr," denoting a narrow sea inlet or fjord. Thus, it was used to denote someone who lived near a ford or fjord. The first recorded spelling of the family name dates back to the 13th century in Scotland. Over the years, many variations of the surname Forth have been recorded, including Fforth, Fford, and ffourth. As with many surnames, the spelling has been altered as the name passed through different regions and languages. Furthermore, it is also possible that the name relates to a person's orientation or position, signifying that they lived "forth" or forward in a location. Like many surnames, interpreting its precise origins and meanings can be complex and speculative, often rooted in historical and geographical contexts.
Order DNA origin analysisForth: Where does the name Forth come from?
The surname Forth is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have a Scottish and English background. The name is a topographic surname given for someone who lived near a landing-stage or on a bank of a river or a seashore. In fact, it may have derived from the Middle English word "forth," which means "off."
The most ancient grant of a Coat of Arms found was a silver shield with a red lion rampant, the Crest being a silver lion couchant guardant. The first recorded spelling of the family name, dating back to the 13th Century, is shown to be that of William de la Forthe, which was in the "Pipe Rolls of Sussex.”
Today, the surname Forth is, as might be expected, found more commonly in England and Scotland. However, due to migration over the centuries, it can also be found in countries where English and Scots have settled, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Forth
The surname Forth is of English origin and believed to have been derived from the pre 7th century word "furth”, meaning "woods". This surname may also denote a geographical origin, indicating that the original bearers lived near a ford. Over the years, spelling variations have emerged due to factors like dialect, regional accents, and illiteracy.
The surnames Fort, Forde, Foord, Ford, and Fforth could potentially be variations of Forth. Additional derivative or alternate spellings include Furrth, Foorth, and even Fforth. There are also phonetic equivalent surnames, such as Forte, that could stem from the same roots.
The surname Forth might also exist as a part of compound surnames like Forth-Jones or Forth-Smith.
It's important to note the interpretation of surnames and their variants across different cultures and languages. The origin of a surname can often be found in its spelling variants. This information, however, should be used as a guide, as the interpretation and understanding of the variations of the surname ‘Forth’ could differ greatly depending on geographical location and historical context.
Famous people with the name Forth
There aren't many famous individuals with the last name 'Forth.' However, several that exist include Eric Forth, a British Conservative politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Mid Worcestershire until his death in 2006. Another person with the last name Forth is Joshua Forth, a Canadian businessman known for his founding role in TELUS International. Jackson D. Forth is a public figure in the education sector, particularly famous in the American Northwest for his contributions to the field as an educational leader. Additionally, Margaret Forth is an accomplished dancer and choreographer with works produced in prominent venues. Finally, Beverly Forth is a renowned contemporary visual artist whose works have been exhibited worldwide. Please note that the level of their fame may vary and may not be globally recognized.