FOY
Foy
Foy is a British surname of Norman origin, derived from the Old French name "Foi" or "Foy," meaning faith or trust. The surname first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, with the arrival of the Norman nobles.
Origin and Meaning
The Foy surname is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, and was brought to England by the Norman settlers following the conquest. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers may have hailed from a place named Foy or were associated with a church or institution dedicated to the concept of faith.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Foy is relatively rare and is mainly found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some English-speaking countries. It is more common in regions with historical Norman influence, such as southern England. Variants of the name, such as "de la Foy," can also be found among French-speaking communities.
Notable Individuals
The Foy surname has been borne by various notable individuals throughout history, including:
- John Foy (1813–1878): A British author and historian known for his works on British antiquities and folklore.
- Shirley Foy (b. 1958): An English actress renowned for her performances in television dramas and stage productions.
- Edward Foy (1897–1964): A prominent British architect and urban planner recognised for his innovative designs in post-war reconstruction projects.
Legacy
Over the centuries, the Foy surname has become a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, reflecting both the Norman heritage of England and the enduring notion of faith and trust. Today, individuals bearing the surname Foy can take pride in their ancestral connection to a name steeped in history and tradition.
There are approximately 5,243 people named Foy in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,806th most common surname in Britain. Around 81 in a million people in Britain are named Foy.
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
- Simon
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Anne
- Catherine
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan