FAIRBANKS
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "fæger" meaning 'fair' or 'beautiful' and "banc" meaning 'bank' or 'hill'. The surname likely originated as a locational name for individuals who resided near a fair bank or hill.
History
The surname Fairbanks has been recorded in England since medieval times, with the earliest known instance found in Yorkshire in the late 13th century. Over the centuries, the name has been found throughout various regions in England, with notable concentrations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Norfolk.
Notable Individuals
- Douglas Fairbanks Sr. (1883–1939): Renowned American actor, director, and producer, known for his roles in silent films.
- Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (1909–2000): American actor and naval officer, son of Douglas Fairbanks Sr.
Variants
Variants of the Fairbanks surname include Fairbank, Farebanks, and Faybanks. Different spellings of surnames were common in historical records due to variations in pronunciation and limited literacy.
As of the 21st century, Fairbanks remains a relatively uncommon surname, with bearers found across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries.
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There are approximately 605 people named Fairbanks in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Fairbanks.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Beverley
- Daphne
- Eden
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jean
- Julia
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Paula
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan