Surname Fithian - Meaning and Origin

Fithian: What does the surname Fithian mean?

The origin of the last name Fithian is believed to be Scottish. The name is likely derived from the very old name Fith, a short form of Fotherin or Fothergill, meaning “proud hunter.” The suffix “-ian” was then added to this name, meaning people of.

The Fithian family is associated with the Counties of Midlothian and Northumberland, indicating they may have come to Scotland from England centuries ago. Over time, this surname spread to different parts of the British Isles, as well as other locations in Europe, including France, Switzerland, and Germany.

The Fithian surname is also found in the United States, likely starting with immigrants from Scotland and England in the 1700s and 1800s.

Today the Fithian name is not uncommon, with over 600 bearers listed in the United States census in 2020.

The strong sense of pride in their family history that has been passed down in the Fithian family is evident in their commitment to preserving their legacy and instilling this sense of identity in their children. For Fithians, their last name is more than just a name – it is a part of their heritage and identity that will be passed down for generations to come.

Fithian: Where does the name Fithian come from?

The last name Fithian is descended from a Norman French name, and is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the United States Census, the surname Fithian is most highly concentrated in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York.

Fithian is derived from a Norman French last name, Fieux, which eventually evolved into Fithian. This name is thought to derive from a combination of a personal name, Fier, and a suffix meaning "son". Throughout France's history, the Fithian line has adapted many spelling variations, including Fithan, Fythean, Fithon, Fidyun, and a few others.

The earliest records of Fithians in the United States date back to the mid-1600s, with John Fithian of New Haven, Connecticut, being the first known holder of the name. The Fithians were some of the earliest immigrants to the New World, coming to the United States in search of religious and political freedom. Those from the Fithian line tended to settle inland and in the Mid-Atlantic region, thus explaining the surname’s regional concentration there today.

Today, Fithian is still a fairly uncommon last name. Nonetheless, it has been perpetuated throughout the past few centuries, both in the United States and beyond. Its rare but rich history has made the Fithian's a unique part of American history.

Variations of the surname Fithian

The surname Fithian has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of the surname Fithian is Fithian. Alternate spellings include the following: Fitzian, Fithyan, Fythian, Fythyan, Fythean, Fytheon, Fithon, Fithyon, Fithion, and Fytion.

Surnames of similar origin include Fithby, Fithbee, Fithy, Fithe, Fidate, Fidian, Fitkin, Fibrian, Fibison, Fithianee, Fithiannetic, Fitchem, Fithchen, and Fythess. Variants with a different origin include Fidan, Feddan, and Fitten.

Fithian derives from the Early Middle English word "fite", meaning fissure-footed animals. Fissure-footed animals were those thought to have hard feet, as opposed to swimmers and waders, who had soft feet. This root was then used as a surname in Scotland in the 13th century.

The most common spelling variants of the surname Fithian are those that have a double letter T or double V. However, there are spelling variants with single letters 'F', 'T' or 'V'. These spellings are also seen less frequently.

Many Fithian families across the world have kept a consistent spelling over the centuries, stemming from a shared heritage or ancestral line. However, as families travel and surname spellings are altered and change, different spelling variants can be found throughout the world.

Famous people with the name Fithian

• Intense political activist Phyllis Fithian (1736-1778), who popularized the idea of civil disobedience,
• Entrepreneur, businesswoman and author Renee Fithian,
• Actor and filmmaker Zane Fithian,
• Adventurer Robert Fithian (1847-1923), who wrote about his experiences travelling around the world,
• Doctor and missionary Thomas Fithian (1814-1859), who served in China and India,
• Race car driver Dave Fithian,
• Aerospace engineer Robert Fithian (1927-1985),
• Artist and art educator Emma Fithian (1864-1944),
• Author and scholar Margaret Fithian (1891-1980),
• Musician and composer Ella Fithian (1862-1937).

Other surnames

Fithion