Surname Fernyough - Meaning and Origin
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Fernyough: What does the surname Fernyough mean?
The last name Fernyough is an uncommon surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words “fearn” which mean “fern” and “gehoh” which mean “clearing” or “enclosure.” This suggests that the name may have been given to those who either lived in a place filled with ferns or who worked in an area that was divided up into sections with ferns. This could have been a clearing in a field or a fenced off area for herding animals.
In earlier times, many people named Fernyough were farmers who worked in the Welsh countryside, but by the 19th century, the surname was increasingly found in the industrial towns of the North of England.
Ultimately, the name Fernyough refers to someone who lives or works in an area with ferns or an area that consists of fern-filled clearings and enclosures. By taking on this surname, people are connecting themselves to a rural, agricultural past which is still seen in the beautiful English countryside.
Order DNA origin analysisFernyough: Where does the name Fernyough come from?
The surname Fernyough is most widely seen today in Australia and New Zealand, though it may also be found in certain parts of the UK and in the United States.
In Australia, the name is most common in Victoria and New South Wales, although it can also be found in other states, including Queensland and South Australia. In New Zealand, Fernyough can be more commonly found in the North Island.
The origin of the name can be traced back to England, where it was first recorded as early as 1256 in the Assize Court Rolls of Wiltshire. It is thought to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, and possibly derived from one of the various Old English names that share the same initial letter, such as Fernyg and Fernyog.
Alternate spellings and variants of the name include Furnyough, Furahough and Franyough. The most common variation, however, is Fernyough.
No matter the spelling, it is a relatively uncommon name, and it is most likely to be found in the locations mentioned above.
Variations of the surname Fernyough
The surname Fernyough is of English origin and is an Anglicised spelling of the original Irish and Gaelic given name "Ó Fearghuis". It is derived from the Irish Gaelic root words 'fear', meaning 'man', and 'ghuis', meaning 'strength'. Variations have expanded from the spelling Fernyough, to include Fernyhough, Fearnough, Fernough, Farnough, and Fearnwyght.
The earliest recorded spelling of the surname is in 1363, when Philip O'Ferngise appears in the 'Pipe Rolls of Ireland'. It was also in the 'The Annals of Ireland' in the year 1520 that Hugh O'Ferngyes has written down. Other surnames from the same origin and variant spellings include O'Fernihugh, O'Fernaghe, O'Fernay, O'Ferney, O'Ferny, O'Vernay, O'Fernye, O'Fernaigh, Fernig, Fernagh, Fernye, Ferna, Ferney, Fernee, and Ferne.
Some of the most prominent bearers of the surname have included the famous American Civil War general and President of the United States, General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union army, who was born Hiram Ulysses Grant; and the prominent speedways racer and television personality, Austin Dillon, who was born in 2009, bearing the last name Fernyough.
The Fernyough surname can be found in England, the United States, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and in other countries where people of Irish descent have settled. It is believed that the surname was changed to several different spellings as the bearer and their families moved to different regions. It is also assumed that the names were changed by English or American officials who could not understand the Irish Gaelic pronunciation.
Famous people with the name Fernyough
- Robert Fernyough: Robert Fernyough is an American voice actor who has lent his voice to numerous characters on TV shows such as The Boondocks, Family Guy, American Dad, King of the Hill and Bob's Burgers.
- David Fernyough: David Fernyough is a Grammy Award-winning producer, musician and writer. He has worked on numerous projects including the score for the movie Step Brothers.
- Will Fernyough: Will Fernyough is an actor, known for his work on the series The Vampire Diaries and The Originals.
- Paul Fernyough: Paul Fernyough is an actor and writer, known for his roles in the films K-PAX and The Man with the Turquoise Eyes.
- Rachel Fernyough: Rachel Fernyough is a talent manager and former executive at Warner Brothers Records.
- Harry Fernyough: Harry Fernyough is an artist and illustrator, best known for his sketchbooks which he compiled after touring Europe.
- Frank Fernyough: Frank Fernyough is a British actor who is best known for his work on Doctor Who.
- Richard Fernyough: Richard Fernyough is an English actor who is best known for his roles in the TV show EastEnders, the marketing campaign of the Royal Navy and the psychological thriller film The Counselor.
- Robert and Elaine Fernyough: Robert and Elaine Fernyough are a husband and wife duo who have created a series of award-winning documentaries exploring environmental issues, such as A Plastic Ocean and When The Lights Go Out.
- Simon Fernyough: Simon Fernyough is a British fashion photographer who has shot campaigns for Burberry, Dior and Givenchy.