FOUNTAINE
Fountaine
Fountaine is a British surname of Norman-French origin, believed to have been introduced following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The surname Fountaine is derived from the Old French word "Fontane," which means "fountain" or "spring". This suggests that the surname may have arisen from a connection to a geographical location near a spring or fountain.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Fountaine dates back to the 12th century, when it was first documented in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England and Wales completed in 1086. Various spellings of the surname have been recorded over the centuries, including de la Fonteyne and Fontayn.
The Fountaine family has historical significance and has been associated with various notable individuals across different periods in British history. Notably, Sir Andrew Fountaine (1676–1753) was a renowned antiquarian and connoisseur. He was a prominent figure in the field of art and architecture during the 18th century.
The distribution of the Fountaine surname in the United Kingdom is primarily concentrated in regions such as Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have evolved or been Anglicised, resulting in variations such as Fountain.
In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname Fountaine can be found in a wide range of professions and walks of life, reflecting the diverse nature of British society. The surname continues to be a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, preserving a connection to the Norman-French heritage that has shaped British culture.
There are approximately 276 people named Fountaine in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Fountaine.
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
- Charles
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Timothy
Female
- Ann
- Elizabeth
- Gemma
- Janet
- Jean
- Joanne
- Karen
- Louise
- Pamela
- Rosemary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tracy