Surname Fernehough - Meaning and Origin
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Fernehough: What does the surname Fernehough mean?
The last name Fernehough is of English origin. It is a topographical surname, derived from the Old English words furh, meaning ‘a wooded hill’ and hoh, meaning ‘a ridge or spur of a hill’. The name is generally translated as ‘wooded ridge’.
In terms of early records, Fernehough can be found in the Yorkshire county of England in 1520. In the 1891 census, it is found on the records in Warrington and other small towns in the county.
The Fernehough’s were known for a number of noble attributes. During the 1500’s, many Fernehough’s were tradesmen and also descendants of William Fernehough. William owned a large estate and was renowned for his charitable and generous deeds, often offering free meals to the poor.
In more modern times, the name Fernehough continues to be used occasionally, however, its historical associations and meanings remain. With its original meaning being ‘wooded ridge’, it is an ideal name for families who value nature, ecology, and the environment. In some cases, those who don the last name may even have taken nature inspired professions such as forestry, botany or wildlife.
Order DNA origin analysisFernehough: Where does the name Fernehough come from?
The Fernehough surname is most widely seen in England and Wales today. The name has its roots in English culture and is thought to have first appeared in the late 11th century.
The majority of current Fernehoughs in the United Kingdom are concentrated in Cheshire, Shropshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Yorkshire. It is a rare surname and is listed as originating in Britain.
In the United States, researchers have identified records of the Fernehough surname in early passenger and immigration lists. Migrants from the United Kingdom, such as Stephen Fernehough, arrived in the United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Many subsequent generations of these immigrants have since spread throughout the country.
In Australia, the name also appears in immigration records with some Fernehoughs arriving in the early twentieth century.
In recent years, the Fernehough surname is used more commonly in the United Kingdom, and is not seen as often in other countries around the world. However, with the increasing spread of family information and records, it is possible to find related Fernehoughs from all over the world.
Variations of the surname Fernehough
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Fernehough are Fernhough, Fernhow, Ferenhäll, Fernhahl, Ferenho, Fernholl, Ferenhohe and Ferenhole.
The surname Fernehough is derived from a medieval English personal name, Fernehale, or Fernehahl, meaning a person from ‘the hale or nook in the ferns’. It is a locational surname which originated during the 13th century when people began to move to urban areas and adopted the name of their home town or village for their last name. During this time, English speakers would not have pronounced the letter h and so it is likely this is why the spelling of the surname has changed over the years.
Variants of the surname emerged from the various dialects of the areas in which these early settlers lived. Initially, the surname would have been written as Fernehalle, however, over time variants including Fernhough, Fernhow, Ferenhäll, Fernhahl, Ferenho, Fernholl, Ferenhohe and Ferenhole emerged.
Due to the pervasiveness of this surname, no single spelling or variant is considered to be a definitive standard today. Despite this, the main variant is the modern spelling of Fernehough.
Famous people with the name Fernehough
- John Fernehough: An American professional basketball player.
- Matthew Fernehough: A talented South African long distance runner set several records in his younger years.
- Keith Fernehough: A prominent British graphic designer with an eye for detail.
- Calvin Fernehough: An American photojournalist, widely praised for his photographs of World War II.
- Emily Fernehough: A renowned British actress who has appeared in several hit films over the years.
- Tracey Fernehough: A talented Australian singer-songwriter whose music has charted nationally and internationally.
- Dominic Fernehough: A respected Canadian artist with numerous exhibitions and works in his name.
- Melissa Fernehough: An award-winning American novelist who has authored several successful books.
- Elizabeth Fernehough: An inspiring British photographer recognized for her exceptional eye for capturing landscape and nature.
- Alex Fernehough: A world-renowned New Zealand businessman known for having multiple successful investments throughout his career.