Fitch

Fitch is a British surname with historical roots dating back to the medieval era. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word "ficce," meaning a fitch or polecat. The use of animal-based surnames was common during this period, often reflecting an individual's occupation, characteristics, or even a connection to a specific animal.

The surname Fitch was likely used to denote someone who either worked with polecats, had characteristics associated with the animal, or lived in an area where polecats were prominent. Over time, the name would have been passed down through generations, becoming established as a family surname.

Variants of the Fitch surname, such as Fitches and Fitchett, have also been recorded throughout history. The name has been found in various regions across England, with notable concentrations in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire.

Today, individuals with the surname Fitch can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies and areas with English diaspora communities. The name may have evolved in spelling or pronunciation over time, reflecting the linguistic changes and influences that have shaped the English language.

As with many surnames, the history of the Fitch name is a testament to the rich tapestry of British genealogy and the cultural heritage embedded in family identities.

There are approximately 3,230 people named Fitch in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,811th most common surname in Britain. Around 50 in a million people in Britain are named Fitch.

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

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Christine
  • Elinor
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Margaret
  • Maria
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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