Fothergill

Fothergill is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Frodhger. The name is primarily found in the northern counties of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Northumberland.

Origins

The surname Fothergill is of Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse origin. The etymology of the name is believed to come from the elements 'frod', meaning wise or learned, and 'ger', meaning spear. It is thought to have been brought to Britain during the Viking invasions of the 8th to 10th centuries.

Distribution and Influence

The surname Fothergill is most commonly found in the north of England, with significant concentrations in Yorkshire and Northumberland. The name has spread throughout the country and beyond, particularly to former British colonies such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Notable Individuals

George Fothergill

  • George Fothergill (1806-1865) was an English industrialist and philanthropist known for his work in the textile industry in Yorkshire. He was a pioneer in social reform and founded several institutions to improve the lives of workers in the region.

Jennifer Fothergill

  • Jennifer Fothergill (b. 1952) is a British author and historian, specialising in the history of the North East of England. She has written numerous books on the industrial heritage of the region and is a respected figure in the field.

Legacy

The surname Fothergill has a long history in England and has contributed to various fields, including industry, literature, and history. Today, individuals bearing the name continue to make their mark in society, carrying on the traditions and achievements of their ancestors.

There are approximately 2,908 people named Fothergill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,062nd most common surname in Britain. Around 45 in a million people in Britain are named Fothergill.

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
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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