Ferree

Origin and Meaning: Ferree is a British surname of French origin, derived from the Old French word "ferree," which means "iron." It is believed to have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with or traded in iron.

Historical Significance: The Ferree surname has a long history in the British Isles, with records dating back to the medieval period. It is likely that individuals bearing this surname were involved in the production or trade of iron, which was a crucial industry in medieval Britain.

Distribution: The Ferree surname is relatively rare in modern times, with scattered occurrences across the UK. It is more commonly found in regions with a history of ironworking or industrial activity.

Famous Individuals: While the Ferree surname may not be associated with any well-known figures in history, individuals with this surname have likely made significant contributions to the iron industry and British economy over the centuries.

Variants: Variants of the Ferree surname may include Ferrey, Ferrie, and Ferry, reflecting the different ways the name has been recorded in historical documents.

References:

  • P.H. Reaney, A Dictionary of English Surnames (Oxford University Press, 1997)
  • B. Cottle, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames (Penguin Reference, 2011)

There are approximately 22 people named Ferree in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Fewer than one in a million people in Britain are named Ferree.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christian
  • John
  • Thomas

Female

  • Catharine

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.