Fotherby Surname

The History of the Surname Fotherby

The surname Fotherby is of English origin and is believed to have originated from a location name. The name is derived from the Old Norse word "fótr" meaning "foot" and the Old English word "by", meaning "a farm or settlement". Therefore, Fotherby likely originally referred to a settlement at the foot of a hill or some other geographical feature.

Early Origins of the Surname Fotherby

Records of the surname Fotherby date back to the early 13th century in England. The earliest known record of the name is of an individual named Richard de Futheby who was recorded in the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1272. This suggests that the surname has ancient origins in the Lincolnshire region of England.

Over the centuries, the surname Fotherby spread to other regions of England and eventually to other English-speaking countries around the world. The name has variations such as Fotherbie, Fotherbee, and Fothaby, but the core meaning and origins remain the same.

Popularity and Distribution of the Surname Fotherby

According to data collected from various sources, the surname Fotherby is most commonly found in England, specifically in the region of East Midlands. It is reported that there are approximately 302 individuals with the surname Fotherby in England, making it a relatively rare surname.

The surname Fotherby is also found in smaller numbers in other countries such as Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Spain, and Finland. However, the incidence of the surname is much lower in these countries, with only a handful of individuals carrying the name.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Fotherby

While the surname Fotherby may not be as well-known as other surnames, there have been notable individuals throughout history who have carried the name. One such individual is John Fotherby, an English churchman and theologian who served as the Bishop of Salisbury in the early 17th century.

Another notable individual with the surname Fotherby is William Fotherby, an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics in the 18th century. These individuals have helped to bring recognition to the surname Fotherby and its unique history.

Meaning and Significance of the Surname Fotherby

While the exact meaning of the surname Fotherby may have evolved over time, its original roots in Old Norse and Old English languages point to a connection to the land and nature. The name likely denoted someone who lived near a prominent geographical feature or had some association with farming or settlement.

Today, the surname Fotherby continues to be a rare and unique surname with a rich history and heritage. While it may not be as common as other surnames, those who bear the name can take pride in their connection to the past and the legacy of the Fotherby family name.

The surname Fotherby within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent takes place in the case of Fotherby, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. In the same way you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Fotherby is more than in other countries.

The map of this Fotherby surname

1. England (302)
2. Canada (76)
3. United States (49)
4. New Zealand (16)
5. Australia (8)
6. Germany (2)
7. Spain (1)
8. Finland (1)
9. Scotland (1)