FORSEY
Forsey
The Forsey surname is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Ford" combined with the Old English word "eg", meaning "island". This surname is classified as a habitation name, referring to someone who lived near a ford or crossing place or on a river island.
Historical Origins
The earliest recorded instance of the Forsey surname dates back to the 16th century in Devon, England, where the name was particularly prevalent. Over time, individuals bearing the Forsey surname migrated to other regions of England and beyond, leading to the dispersion of the name.
Distribution and Frequency
Today, the surname Forsey is relatively rare, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname still residing in the United Kingdom. The name is most commonly found in regions of the South West of England, particularly in Devon and Somerset.
Notable Individuals
Despite its modest frequency, the Forsey surname has been borne by notable individuals throughout history, particularly in local communities across the South West of England. While not as widely recognised as some other surnames, the Forsey name has a rich heritage in the region.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Forsey surname may include Forsea, Forseye, and Forsie. Over time, spelling variations due to regional accents, dialects, and clerical errors have led to different forms of the name.
In conclusion, the Forsey surname is a noteworthy English habitation name with historical significance in the South West of England. Despite its relative scarcity, the name continues to be preserved by descendants of its early bearers, maintaining a connection to its origins and historical roots.
There are approximately 776 people named Forsey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,984th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Forsey.
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
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Paul
- Peter
- Simon
- Timothy
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jean
- Jill
- Judith
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.