Surname Fearriss - Meaning and Origin

Fearriss: What does the surname Fearriss mean?

The surname FEARRISS originates from early England, and is an Anglicized spelling of "freriss" which is derived from the Old English word "Fara" which means "journey". It was most likely first used as a name given to individuals who took frequent journeys, perhaps travelling merchants or itinerant workers.

The record of the name in England dates back to the 13th century in the county of Kent where it was found spelt Fearis, Freeris and Ffreriss. It has also been found in Scotland with records of Fearis and Feeries in Scotland in the 16th century and in Lancashire in the 15th century.

The name FEARRISS is found mainly around the counties of Lincolnshire, Sussex, Middlesex and Wales. It is associated with several towns and villages in these regions including Framfield in East Sussex, Feering in Essex, and Wortham in Suffolk. Throughout its varied history, the surname has retained its meaning of one who traveled.

Overall, the surname FEARRISS is a reminder of a rich history of journeying and a past filled with far-reaching adventures. Symbolically, it stands for those who are up for a challenge, representing a spirit of ambition and a willingness to explore the unknown.

Fearriss: Where does the name Fearriss come from?

The last name Fearriss is most commonly found in the United States today, but is theorized to have originated in England. Over 3,000 people in the US bear the surname, with the majority concentrated in the states of Missouri, Texas, and California.

The surname Fearriss dates back to the 17th century in England, primarily in the counties of Essex and Suffolk, and is derived from the Old English personal name Frēorus, which roughly translates to “brave one”. It is likely the family first gained wealth and recognition as merchants during the reign of Elizabeth I, and were granted a coat of arms as a signifier of their station.

Immigration records indicate that the earliest settlers in the US bearing the Fearriss surname were Thomas Fearriss in 1635, and Mary Fearris in 1637, both of whom arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Descendants of early settlers spread out over the past three centuries, with the last name carrying on throughout the country.

Today, those bearing the Fearriss name are scattered across the US, although many still remain in the states in which their ancestors first settled. The legacy of the Fearriss family is one of resilience, strength, and determination, and the surname carried with it a proud British heritage.

Variations of the surname Fearriss

The surname Fearriss is derived from the Old French ‘fer’ meaning iron, and it is believed to have originated in Somerset. Variations in spelling and other forms of this surname include Feareiss, Feaeress, Feareis, Feariss, Fearas, Fearres, Fairs, Fairiss and Fairis.

In America, the Feareiss spelling is the most commonly found, while in England the Fearres version is most often found. Feareress and Fearis are also quite common in New England and surrounding areas.

The popularity of the name Fearriss has spread to other countries, with many variant spellings also in use. In Scotland, variations include Farres, Fearas and Fairs. In Northern Ireland, it is sometimes seen as Fairiss. In France, the spelling Fearres can be found, though it is rare. In Germany, Feaeress is a variant, as is Feareis.

Some of the many variants of the name Fearriss have spawned their own surname lines. For example, Fairis is a common version in the United States, and Firis is an alternate spelling. In parts of Canada, Fairis is also in use. And in Scotland, the spelling Fearas has become a distinguished surname line.

The Fearriss surname is also quite widespread in England, with the Fearres variant most commonly seen. Furlough, Furlow, and Ferlow are some of the other surnames associated with Fearriss. The name is also used in Ireland, with the Fairis spelling most common in County Cork.

Overall, the surname Fearriss has many associated versions and surnames associated with it, all of which have grown in popularity over time. Variations can be found all over the world, with local customs and dialects providing unique opportunities for spelling variants.

Famous people with the name Fearriss

• Mariela Fearriss, Venezuelan former Miss International
• C. H. Fearriss, 19th-century British businessman and politician
• Jay Fearriss, American comedian
• Harriet Fearriss, British actress from the 1980s
• Tommy Fearriss, British actor with minor roles in various films
• Robert Fearriss, English professional footballer
• Bart Fearriss, American music producer and recording engineer
• Roland Fearriss, British icon in the field of geology
• Lawrence Fearriss, British Lord Mayor of London
• Howard Fearriss, American politician from the state of Connecticut

Other surnames

Fearris