FORSHAW
Forshaw
Forshaw is a notable British surname originating from the North West region of England. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and it is derived from the Old English personal name "Ford" meaning "ford" or "shallow water crossing", and "Sc(e)aga" meaning "a shady place" or "thicket." This suggests that those bearing the surname Forshaw may have been associated with a ford by a shady thicket.
The earliest recorded instance of the Forshaw surname dates back to the 13th century in Lancashire, England. Over time, the name has spread across the UK and beyond due to migration and globalisation. The Forshaw name has various spellings and variations, such as Forshe, Foulsham, and Froschauer.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the Forshaw surname have been involved in various professions and endeavours, including agriculture, craftsmanship, trade, military service, and more recently, academia, business, and the arts. Notable figures bearing the Forshaw surname have made contributions to their respective fields, shaping the fabric of British society.
Genealogical studies and DNA analysis continue to shed light on the origins and spread of the Forshaw name. Members of the Forshaw family can be found in different parts of the world, with vibrant communities in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Forshaw surname carries with it a rich history and heritage, reflecting the diversity and interconnectedness of the British Isles. Today, individuals with the Forshaw surname continue to celebrate and honour their ancestry, keeping the legacy of their family name alive.
There are approximately 4,805 people named Forshaw in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,962nd most common surname in Britain. Around 74 in a million people in Britain are named Forshaw.
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
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Angela
- Ann
- Dawn
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria