FENTEM
Fentem
The surname Fentem is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "fenn," meaning marsh or fen, and the Old English word "ham," meaning homestead or village. The name likely originated as a toponymic name for someone who lived near a marshy area.
The Fentem surname is particularly associated with the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in northern England. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 16th century in the parish records of these regions.
Over time, the Fentem family has been involved in a variety of occupations, including farming, trading, and other local trades. The surname has continued to be passed down through generations, contributing to its enduring presence in British genealogy.
Variants of the Fentem surname include Fentham, Fentum, and Fenham. The name has also seen various spellings over the centuries due to changes in pronunciation and dialect.
Today, individuals with the surname Fentem can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world due to migration and emigration patterns. The name carries with it a sense of local history and heritage, connecting bearers to their ancestral roots in England.
There are approximately 117 people named Fentem in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Fentem.