Farwell

Farwell is an Anglicised surname of Old English origin. The surname is a variant of the name Farewell, which is derived from the phrase "fare well," meaning to travel or proceed in a safe and prosperous manner.

History

The Farwell surname has its roots in the English countryside, particularly in regions where Old English was spoken. The name likely originated as a nickname or occupational surname for someone who wished another person a safe journey or farewell. As a result, the surname Farwell has a connotation of goodwill and good wishes.

Distribution

The Farwell surname is primarily found in England, particularly in regions such as East Anglia and the West Country. Over time, individuals with the surname Farwell have migrated to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Individuals

  • John Farwell (1835–1908): A prominent American businessman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the expansion of the retail and manufacturing industries in the United States.
  • Roger Farwell (b. 1950): A British playwright known for his works exploring themes of identity, family, and societal norms.
  • Victoria Farwell (b. 1982): An English athlete who competed in the Olympic Games as a long-distance runner.

Variants

Variants of the Farwell surname include Farewell and Farewella.

The Farwell surname holds a distinct place in British history and heraldry, symbolising well-wishes and safe journeys for its bearers.

There are approximately 453 people named Farwell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Farwell.

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

  • Adrian
  • Brian
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Stuart

Female

  • Alison
  • Amanda
  • Brenda
  • Christine
  • Denise
  • Elizabeth
  • Jean
  • Kerry
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Tracey

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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