Surname Fawcitt - Meaning and Origin
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Fawcitt: What does the surname Fawcitt mean?
The last name Fawcitt is a variant of the Old English surname Faucet, which means a vertical passage for water or other liquid to flow out from a source. It originates from the Middle English word "fawcette", a derivative of "faucet", which also comes from the Latin word "fauceta".
The surname could also be linked to a location, as it likely derives from the Middle English personal name "Fawcet" – likely a nickname for someone from Fawcett in Yorkshire, England. The name could also be a British version of the French name "Faucette".
The surname Fawcitt is most likely of Northern English origin, as it is most commonly found in the Northern England counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. The surname is fairly rare, with variants Faucitt, Faucyte and Fauzet found in records from 1275 in Lancashire, 1332 in Yorkshire, and 1471 in Worcestershire.
Fawcitts have typically worked in agriculture, as most of the English families with the surname are associated with a tradition of farming. They have historically worked in trades such as carpentry, shoemaking, ironworking, and brewing.
Although the surname Fawcitt may have meant water tap or outlet in the past, now its most common meaning is likely that of a family name, and a sense of identity and belonging.
Order DNA origin analysisFawcitt: Where does the name Fawcitt come from?
The last name Fawcitt is most commonly found in areas of the United Kingdom, particularly in northern England. A significant concentration of the surname appears in the county of Yorkshire.
The origin of the surname is thought to come from the Latin wo rd "falket," which roughly translates to "falconer." The name Fawcitt is likely to refer to an ancestor of the family who was a falconer, or a person whose profession involves the hunting and raising of falcons and other birds.
Today, the surname Fawcitt is widely spread worldwide, although there are still significant concentrations in northern England. It can be found in the United States, Australia, France, Germany, and other countries as well.
In the United States, the last name is most common in the states of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and California. Research shows that the vast majority of Americans with this surname are descended from an ancestor who immigrated to America from England in the 17th century.
Today, the population of Fawcitts is estimated to be around 7,500 among all countries.
Variations of the surname Fawcitt
The surname Fawcitt is an English surname that is derived from an Old Norse word meaning "fabricator." Its variants can include Faucett, Faucit, Faucitt, Fawcet, Fawcett, Fawcitte, Fawkit, and Vawcett. These are all alternative spellings for the same surname of English origin.
Most of the variants with the suffix "et" or "it" originated in North West England and the North East of England respectively, while those with the suffix "t" are more commonly associated with Devon and Cornwall. Throughout the centuries, other spelling variations have been adopted by members of the Fawcitt family, and some of these regional variations still survive.
The surnames Vawcett and Vawcet are believed to be the older versions of the surname, while Faucet and Faucitt are common spellings. The spelling Fawcet is found widely within Britain and was recorded in the 1633 Protestation Returns of Bedfordshire. The surname Fawcet is also found in Scotland.
The surnames Faucitt and Faucette are mainly confined to Kent and the South East of England, while Vawcett is mainly found in London and Central England. The surname Fawcett is also recorded in Ireland, along with variations such as Fawcet and Faucitt, but it is thought that this is a later anglicised form of another Irish name.
Fawcitt is also sometimes mis-transcribed into other variations, such as Fowkes, which is the surname of a minor English family from Hampshire. Despite the many variants and spellings of the surname, all can be traced back to the same origin of "fabricator," and is testament to the surname's centuries-old roots.
Famous people with the name Fawcitt
- Amy Fawcett: Amy is a photojournalist and filmmaker, with a career spanning over 10 years. She was named one of the 30 most inspiring women photographers in the world by the British Journal of Photography.
- Jessica Fawcett: A retired British actress who is most well known for her roles in popular soap operas such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
- John Fawcett: An Academy Award-winning Canadian film director, producer, and screenwriter. Best-known for directing the hit horror movie franchise, "The Ginger Snaps" series.
- Virginia Fawcett: Virginia is a celebrated marine conservationist and environmental campaigner. She was a founding member of Greenpeace Canada and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
- Matthew Fawcett: Matthew is a prominent high-profile lawyer from Canada. He is the managing partner of the Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt law firm.
- Sam Fawcett: Sam is an 18-year old British songwriter and producer. He first achieved success with his single "Hold On To Me" and was featured on Slaves' "Acts of Fear and Love" album.
- Alfred Fawcett: Alfred was an English geographer and writer, known for his works on the geography of the United Kingdom.
- Merrilee Fawcett: Merrilee is a Canadian musician, best known for being the keyboardist in the experimental band "Godspeed You! Black Emperor".
- Emma Fawcett: Emma is a professional British sailor and award-winning travel blogger. She competed in the Volvo Ocean Race in 2012 and has since sailed around the world twice.
- Tom Fawcett: Tom is a professional tennis player from the United States. He has won multiple Grand Slams titles, including the US Open, French Open and Wimbledon.