Foshay Surname

The Origin of the Surname Foshay

The surname Foshay is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the medieval English personal name "Folcwine." The name Folcwine was a popular given name in medieval England and was often used to signify someone who was considered to be a friend of the people or a beloved individual.

Early Instances of the Surname Foshay

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Foshay date back to the 13th century in England. One of the early mentions of the surname is in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which lists a John Foshay as a landowner in Hertfordshire. Another early reference to the surname is found in the Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire in 1379, which lists a Thomas Foshay as a taxpayer in the area.

Throughout the centuries, the surname Foshay spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States and Canada, where it has remained relatively uncommon but has maintained a presence in certain regions.

The Surname Foshay in the United States

In the United States, the surname Foshay has a relatively low incidence rate compared to other surnames. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, there are approximately 496 individuals with the surname Foshay in the country as of the most recent census data. The surname is most prevalent in the northeastern and midwestern regions of the United States, with concentrations in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

One notable individual with the surname Foshay in American history is Wilbur Foshay, a businessman and entrepreneur who built the Foshay Tower in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the 1920s. The Foshay Tower was one of the first skyscrapers in Minneapolis and remains a prominent landmark in the city to this day.

The Surname Foshay in Canada

In Canada, the surname Foshay has a smaller incidence rate compared to the United States. According to data from the Canadian Census Bureau, there are approximately 124 individuals with the surname Foshay in the country as of the most recent census data. The surname is most prevalent in the eastern provinces of Canada, with concentrations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Foshay in Canada is in the Nova Scotia Land Papers, which list a William Foshay as a landowner in the province in the 18th century. The Foshay family has maintained a presence in the region for generations, with many descendants still residing in the area today.

The Surname Foshay in England

In England, the surname Foshay is relatively rare, with only a few individuals bearing the name in the country. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, there are approximately 2 individuals with the surname Foshay in England as of the most recent census data. The surname is most prevalent in the southern regions of England, with concentrations in counties such as Hertfordshire and Kent.

While the surname Foshay may be less common in England compared to other countries, it has a rich history and heritage that dates back centuries. The name is believed to have originated in medieval England and has since spread to other English-speaking countries, where it continues to be passed down through generations.

The surname Foshay within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same takes place in the case of Foshay, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in all of the countries of this globe. In the same way you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women using the surname Foshay is more than in other countries.

The map associated with Foshay surname

1. United States (496)
2. Canada (124)
3. England (2)