FIENNES
Fiennes
Fiennes is an ancient English surname with Norman origins, derived from the Old French word "fin," meaning "fine" or "delicate." The name Fiennes is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England and established Norman rule.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the Fiennes surname is of the Fiennes family of Kent, a prominent noble family in medieval England. The family held the title of Barons Dacre and became associated with various estates and castles in the county.
The Fiennes family has been historically linked to numerous notable individuals, including Nathaniel Fiennes, a Parliamentarian officer during the English Civil War, and his brother, Celia Fiennes, a travel writer and memoirist of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
The Fiennes surname continues to be found predominantly in England, with instances of the name also appearing in other English-speaking countries. Over the centuries, variations in spellings such as Fienes, Fienes, and Finnes have emerged, reflecting the evolution of the name.
Today, the surname Fiennes retains its historical significance and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Norman influence on English culture and society.
There are approximately 97 people named Fiennes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Fiennes.