Surname Foray - Meaning and Origin
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Foray: What does the surname Foray mean?
The surname Foray is thought to have originated from either Old French or Old English. In Old French, Foray can be derived from the word "forée," which means to dig out or hollow out. In Old English, Foray can be derived from the word "forweall," which means far away.
The first recorded instance of the surname Foray appeared in England during the 12th century. Records show that Robertus de Foray was present in the county of Norfolk during 1150. Records also suggest that the Foray family were springing up in various parts of the country, and were often referred to as the "Forays of Essex" or the "Forays of Yorkshire."
The surname Foray appears to be quite common in France and the French-speaking regions of Switzerland. The surname has been recorded in various parts of the country for centuries, most notably in cities such as Paris, Lille, and Strasbourg.
The surname Foray is associated with a number of historically significant individuals. In France, the Foray family is known to have produced some influential figures, including a member of the National Assembly during the French Revolution, as well as a famous medicinal plant collector.
More recently, the surname Foray is associated with some outstanding literary achievements. George Foray, a celebrated 20th century novelist, was born to the Foray family in France. He wrote several acclaimed novels, and his work is well-respected in literary circles.
Overall, the surname Foray is associated with a rich heritage, both in its native country of France and in other parts of the world. The Foray family is known for producing strong-minded individuals, brilliant academic achievements, and world-class literary works.
Order DNA origin analysisForay: Where does the name Foray come from?
The last name Foray is most common today in France, particularly in the northern region of Normandy. It is also found in other French-speaking countries, such as Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. The name can be traced back to a village in Normandy named “Foray”, which dates from the 9th century. The name could have been borne by the people who lived in or near the village, or it could have been a nickname for someone who frequently crossed the ford, or ford over a river, near the village.
It’s not just the French who bear the last name. It’s also found in other countries across Europe, predominately in areas where French is spoken. In the United States, it is also a common name. Records show its presence in the US as early as the 1800s. The last name has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and it can be found in other countries around the world, including Argentina, Philippines, Australia and South Korea.
At its roots, the name Foray is believed to have been derived either from old French words that mean a “ford” or from the Germanic word “fara”, which means “to go.” With its global presence and long history, the last name Foray is a reminder of the enduring impact of migration and globalization today.
Variations of the surname Foray
The surname Foray has some variant spellings that include Feray, Forray, Forrey, Furay, and Forrey. The surname can also take different surnames such as Forey, Foree, Ferrey, Furey, or Furry.
Foray is derived from the French forclos, which means a boundary or enclosure. This surname was most likely used as a nickname for someone who lived near a boundary or enclosure. It became most popular in Lancashire and Yorkshire regions in northern England during the medieval period.
The surname is quite rare, but the variant Feray is much more common in certain areas in France. It is likely that some members of the Foray family may have originated in France and subsequently migrated to England during the medieval period. The surname can also be found in Scotland, where it is spelled Fairey or Farry.
The surname Foray can be found all over the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany. Over time, the surname has become less common due to emigration. There are also some families in Africa and East Asia that bear this surname.
Famous people with the name Foray
- June Foray: A famous voice-over artist, best known for her work with Warner Bros. Cartoons and Looney Tunes, June Foray has provided the voice for some of the most beloved animation characters of all time, including Granny in Looney Tunes, Rocky The Flying Squirrel in Rocky & His Friends and The Atom Ant Show, and Cindy Lou Who in the original How The Grinch Stole Christmas special.
- Maurice Foray: A former French football player, Maurice Foray was a cup-winning striker who achieved legendary status while playing for the Parisian club Racing Club de France. He won five titles with the club over a twelve-year period, and was the team's leading goal-scorer in four successive seasons.
- Arthur Foray: An accomplished French artist, Arthur Foray produced a vast amount of stylized work, including paintings, sculptures, and lithographs. During the World Wars, he was also a renowned sculptor of monuments, memorials, and outdoor sculptures.
- Joel Foray: An American music producer, Joel Foray has been making innovative music since a young age. He has worked with artists ranging from John Legend to Alicia Keys, and he is the founder of the record company Resource Records.
- Mike Foray: A former professional boxer from Belgium, Mike Foray was the European super featherweight champion from 1988 to 1990. He retired from professional boxing after losing his last match on a split decision.