SURNAMES BEGINNING WITH "F"

[Fairfax], [Farlow], [Farmer], [Farrell], [Faulkner], [Ferguson], [Fields], [Findlay], [Finn], [Fisher], [Fitz], [Flanagan], [Fleming], [Fletcher], [Flynn], [Foley], [Ford], [Forester], [Foster], [Foulkes], [Fowler], [Francis], [Franklin], [Franks], [Freeman], [Frobisher], [Frost], [Fry], [Fuller]

FAIRFAX - The prefix "Fair" is thought to derive from the word "Fere" which mean companion or friend, although it has also been suggested that the word "Fair" denoting something or someone which was beautiful (as in; Fair Maiden) has always existed in the English language. A similar source is thought to apply for other common surnames such as Fairchild, Fairclough, etc

FARLOW - Thought to have its roots in the words "Fearn" denoting Fern and "Lowe" which identifies a hillock or mound. Alternatively, the prefix "Far" might have its origins in the common word Fair.

FARMER - A trade or occupational name that has attached itself to the individual who was employed within that particular industry. Alternatively, it has been suggested that in its earliest Latin form "Firmanus", a possible source for the later word,  identified a tax collector.

FARRELL - The Irish/Gaelic roots for the name are thought to derive from the first name Fearghal which meant a "valiant man".

FAULKNER - The modern day surname is thought to be a derivative of the occupational title of "Falconer" who was employed to care for the birds of prey which were owned by noblemen and kings.

FERGUSON - Thought to have a common origin with the Irish/Gaelic surname "Farrell" being derived from the forename "Fearghal" meaning a valiant man. Commonly associated with Scotland.

FIELD - The name possibly derives from a contraction of the personal designation "of the fields" and might suggest people originating from simply a rural or agricultural background. Variants include Fielding 

FINDLAY - Thought to have its earliest roots in the Gaelic words "Fionn" meaning fair and "Laoch" denoting a warrior.

FINN - As with Findlay this surname is thought to have its origins in the Gaelic word "Fionn" meaning Fair

FISHER - Fishing is known to have existed since the dawn of mankind, although the specific designation of "Fisherman" was probably assigned much later, it is likely that the modern day name is directly derived from this early occupation. The German title or name "Fischer" describes those that harvest fish and might be the origin for our own English word, which has been anglicized and altered over time.

FITZ - This is only a partial surname, often prefixing a much fuller, more commonplace name eg: Fitz Allen. There are 2 distinct trains of thought as to its actual purpose. The first suggests that the prefix "Fitz" is in fact a temporary designation, often used by sons or heirs who expect to inherit their fathers titles at some point in the future, most probably when their male relation dies. Alternatively, it has also been suggested that the designation "Fitz" is in fact an indication of illegitimacy, but expressed in a very public way and one which allowed a "bastard" child to legally link themselves to their male parent, despite having been born out of wedlock. Surnames, such as FITZGERALD and FITZPATRICK are said to simply mean "son of Gerald" and "son of Patrick" and although are generally associated with Ireland, are in fact Anglo Norman in origin, being brought to Ireland during the 12th Century.

FLANAGAN - A family name associated with Ireland and thought to originate from the Gaelic word or name "Flannagain" which was thought to identify something or someone that was "ruddy or red".

FLEMING - Thought to originate from a description of a native of Flanders in the Netherlands who came to Britain, either as an immigrant or a military invader.

FLETCHER - Derived from the "arrow makers" that were employed in the manufacture of early arms and military weapons, notably the fitting of feathers flights to the arrow shafts. It is entirely plausible that originally such craftsmen were known as "fledgers" which would have a direct relationship with the natural process of a young bird growing its feathers ie fledging.

FLYNN - When derived from an Irish/Gaelic source, the surname is thought to originate from the name "Floinn" which was said to mean "bright red or ruddy".

FOLEY - A family name which has its foundations in the Gaelic language, deriving from the name "Foghladh" which was thought to identify a "plunderer" or "raider". 

FORD - A surname in its own right, or used as a family name suffix, Ford is said to originate from the Old English word for a shallow water crossing.

FORESTER - Master Forester's were reported to have existed at the time of the Norman Conquests, when huge swathes of land were given over to the cultivation of Royal Forest's, where hunting "game" could be raised and protected in order to provide "sport" for the Norman nobility.

FOSTER - The name is thought to be a derivation of the occupational title Forester, the man who was appointed by Lords and landowners to protect their woods and forests.

FOULKES - This name is thought to have its origins with the Norman forces that invaded Britain in the 11th Century. It is thought to derive from the German word "Folc" meaning "Folk" which has been altered and amended over time

FOWLER - Another surname which has its roots in the occupational title of people employed within a specific industry. A Fowler was said to be the trapper, keeper and seller of fowl.

FRANCIS - A Biblical first name which was no doubt introduced into Britain by the early Christian Church either during the Roman occupation or following the Empires evacuation of the province.

FRANKLIN - The modern day English family name is thought to originate from the Anglo French word "Fraunclein", which was said to describe a freeman landowner, similar to a BURGESS.

FRANKS - Possibly derived from the Frankish invaders who came as part of the Anglo Saxon invasion of Britain during the mid 5th Century.

FREEMAN - Thought to originate from an individuals status within a community. The title is possibly tied to even earlier practices which saw slaves or captives having to earn their Freedom and having done so being granted the title of "Free man". During the Medieval period the civic title of Freeman was linked to the Merchants Guilds, a practice which continues through to the present day. 

FROBISHER - The family name is thought to derive from an occupational title, given to someone who was responsible for cleaning a knight's armour and equipment.

FROST - Thought to be a descriptive term for a person who displayed a cold and indifferent side to his nature, or possibly one that had white hair or pale colouring and characteristic of the mythical "Jack Frost" = "cold, hard and white".

FRY - Derived from the early English word "Frig" which meant "Free", the name no doubt attached itself to a number of FREED MEN or those that were FREE BORN. It is also worth noting that young fish are typically called "FRY" and as a nickname it may have been applied to infant children.

FULLER - Reported to have been a skilled trade within the early Cloth-making industries and which subsequently attached itself to those that were employed within that particular activity. Fullers, along with Walkers were thought to have thickened the cloth by treading on it whilst it was immersed in water, rather like the practice undertaken by those treading grapes.

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