Surname Friswell - Meaning and Origin
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Friswell: What does the surname Friswell mean?
The last name Friswell is an English toponymic surname deriving from the place name Fresewell, which originates from the Old English fris, meaning ‘fresh’, and wella, meaning ‘stream’ or ‘spring.’ Therefore, it is very likely that the original bearers of this surname were in some way associated with a fresh spring or stream.
The Friswell surname appears in the historic record in Nottinghamshire from 1376, when one Robert Fresewelle was mentioned in the Rolls of Parliament. It is thought to have spread from this area in the county to other parts of England and abroad.
The Friswell family name is associated with aristocratic families, particularly in the East Midlands area of England. It is likely that these families might have been landowners, managing land around the area of the original Fresewell stream. In Gloucester, there is a memorial plaque on the St Matthew's church tower which commemorates Lieutenant Peter Friswell, who was killed in action in the Boer War in 1900. This is typical of the kind of loyalty to community which bearers of this name often display.
The Friswell surname carries with it an ancestral history of loyalty and responsibility; the family were associated with land management and links back to the time when England was a rural society. Individuals who are proud to carry the name can look back on a long and notable heritage which stretches far back in time.
Order DNA origin analysisFriswell: Where does the name Friswell come from?
The last name Friswell is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom and Ireland, although there is a small population in the United States. The surname Friswell was first found in England in the 15th century. It is an English topographic name derived from the Old English words "fres" meaning well or spring and "well, spring, stream" or "wielle," meaning spring or stream, indicating someone who lived near a well or stream.
The surname Friswell is recorded mainly in Northern England and the Scottish Lowlands, particularly in Yorkshire where some of the earliest recordings are found. As such, it is mainly a northern English surname.
Today, there is a Friswell family business that was established in Yorkshire in 1986 and it produces a range of conservatories, windows, doors, and other home improvement products. There are also several Friswells who have become famous, like the British comedy actor Wilfred Friswell, and the well-known actor and theatre director Harry Friswell.
The Friswell surname is not as common as it once was, but it can still be found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Friswell
The surname Friswell is derived from the Old English words for ‘free spring’ – ‘friþ’ and ‘wella’.
The variants of this name are Frysbyll, Fryswelle, Frysewell, Frizelle, Fresewell, Fregyselle, Fryzwell and Frezwell. Spellings of the surname may also include Fryswel, Frysvel, Frysvell, Fyrysvell, Fyswell, Frezuell and Fryssel.
The Friswell surname is most commonly found in England, particularly in the Midlands and south-east. It is also found in Scotland and Wales, as well as several other countries.
Common variations of the name and surnames of the same origin include Friswell, Frysbyll, Fryswell, Fresewell, Frizelle and Fryzwell. There are also numerous other spellings, including Fryswel, Frysvel, Frysvell, Fyrysvell, Fyswell, Frezuell and Fryssel.
The Friswell surname is often used interchangeably with other surnames of the same origin. Common variations of the name include Fryse, Fioreshall, Frizell, Fryshalle, Fresehell, Frysethhall, Frezel, Frexe and Frysell.
Other surnames of the same origin have evolved into unique variations over time. These include Freiswold, Freaswell, Fryssell, Freasell, Frizell, Fryzall, Frizzle and Feaser.
Famous people with the name Friswell
- Jeff Friswell: Jeff is an American actor, best known for his roles in the films Treacherous, The Wrong Road and Hook It Up.
- Eric Friswell: Eric is a celebrated English novelist and screenwriter, notably famous for his books My Uncle Silas, The Botswana Beast and Kedimoth.
- Emily Friswell: Emily is an accomplished British sculptor whose works are widely exhibited in London galleries and regularly feature in design magazines.
- Katie Friswell: Katie is a renowned American landscape painter whose works have received numerous awards from both country and international organizations.
- William Friswell: William is a popular British actor and singer who regularly appears on stage and has released several popular recording albums.
- Rob Friswell: Rob is an accomplished Australian filmmaker and playwright with credits for directed productions such as The Ironman, Young Lions and Rain on the Roof.
- Annabelle Friswell: Annabelle is a successful British photographer and author, best known for her works such as The Art of Nature, The Power of the Lens and Wonders of Creation.
- Barry Friswell: Barry is a prominent Canadian journalist and documentary-maker, having worked on groundbreaking projects for leading media outlets and networks.
- Brady Friswell: Brady is an acclaimed film and television composer, recognized for his work on Steering the Story, Whitney's Life and The Placebo Effect.