Fanshawe

Fanshawe is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Famesceaga", meaning "famous victory". The surname is predominantly found in the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk in Eastern England.

The first recorded instance of the Fanshawe surname dates back to the 13th century, with early occurrences in parish records, land deeds, and legal documents. Notable bearers of the surname include Sir Thomas Fanshawe, who served as a courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and his son Sir Richard Fanshawe, a distinguished poet and translator.

The Fanshawe family has a long history of military and public service, with several members holding prominent positions in the British government and armed forces. The family's ancestral seat is located at Fanshawe Gate Hall in Derbyshire, a historic manor house that has been owned by the Fanshawe family for generations.

Today, the surname Fanshawe is relatively rare but continues to be passed down through generations of descendants. It remains a symbol of English heritage and tradition, reflecting the contributions and achievements of the notable individuals who have borne the name over the centuries.

There are approximately 376 people named Fanshawe in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Fanshawe.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • Charles
  • David
  • Edward
  • Ian
  • James
  • Malcolm
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Robin
  • Simon
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Caroline
  • Charlotte
  • Elizabeth
  • Georgia
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Katherine
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Shirley

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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