Surname Fothegill - Meaning and Origin
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Fothegill: What does the surname Fothegill mean?
The last name Fothegill is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English phrase "fot vacuum," which translates to "footed hollow." This phrase likely refers to a stream or marsh with soft, marshy ground. This may have been a place-name originally, denoting the geographic area where Fothegill families originated.
The surname is also included in records dating back to the 13th century, when a man named William de Fotevile was listed in the Assize Court Rolls of Norfolk in 1248. Over time, the name likely evolved from "Fotevile" to "Fothegill," and the spelling has remained consistent ever since.
This surname may have originally emerged due to geography, occupation, or even physical characteristics. For instance, it may have been associated with those who lived near or traveled often along a marsh or stream, or those who were skilled with working in wet climates or lands. Alternatively, it may have been chosen to describe someone's physical features, such as having long feet or wearing shoes that allowed them to pass easily through a marsh or stream.
No matter the original reason for its existence, the surname Fothegill has existed since the 13th century and continues to be in use today. It is thought to still be associated with the same locations and people of the original areas, and its history adds a unique element to each Fothegill family and story.
Order DNA origin analysisFothegill: Where does the name Fothegill come from?
The last name Fothegill is not widely found today. Records show the last name first appearing in the UK in the 16th and 17th centuries. During that time, Fothegills were mainly centered in the East Midlands region of England, primarily in the counties of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The name was also present in Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Northumberland, and Yorkshire.
The population of Fothegills in the UK has been in decline since the 18th century. This is most likely due to a combination of emigration and assimilation with other cultures and surnames. There are still a few small pockets of Fothegills scattered across the UK, but they are largely in rural areas with few people of the same name living nearby.
Today, Fothegills mainly appear in the United States, Australia, and Canada. Many of their ancestors moved there during the 19th and 20th centuries in search of a better life. In the United States, Fothegills can be found in the eastern and southern states, particularly Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
Overall, the last name Fothegill is not common today. Most people with the name live in the United States, Australia, and Canada, with a few scattered in the UK. Many people have adopted the name after being married to someone with the surname, which has further decreased the presence of the name in its traditional areas.
Variations of the surname Fothegill
The surname Fothegill is a unique surname from medieval England. It is believed to have originated in Yorkshire, England and is of an ancient Norman-French origin. It is derived from a personal name of two elements ‘Fot’ and ‘Gille’, meaning "love-servant or assistant". The variant spellings and surnames of this origin include Fotthill, Fottheill, Fettill, Fotill, Fotheall, Fothill, Fotheill, Fothwell, Fotwell and Fotwells.
These surnames can be found in various records from Yorkshire and neighboring areas such as Lancashire and Cheshire during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The surname spread to other countries during the industrial revolution, primarily to the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In present times, this surname is spread mostly throughout Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as smaller populations in Europe, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Fothegill is an uncommon surname and is not to be confused with other similar-sounding surnames such as Fothergill, Fothergilde, Fothergall, and Fothergil.
Famous people with the name Fothegill
- Brian Fothegill: a British actor who starred in 3 Saw movies and a few horror titles.
- Matt Fothegill: a British actor known for portraying Gerry Ellis in the TV show "Brookside".
- Sarah Fothegill: an American actress who appeared in the films "Twister" and "The Mummy".
- Charles Fothegill: a British actor who starred in the Harry Potter films series.
- Adam Fothegill: an English actor who is best known for his role in the BBC series "Jekyll".
- Guy Fothegill: an English actor best known for his roles in the films "The Prestige" and "The 5th Wave".
- William Fothegill: an English actor known for his roles in the Doctor Who series.
- John Fothegill: an English actor who played Mr. Smith in the television series "Sherlock Holmes".
- Rebecca Fothegill: an American actress and model who appeared in the films "X-Men: Apocalypse" and "Terminator Salvation".
- Julian Fothegill: a British musician and actor known for his work in the British music scene.