FREE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Free

The surname "Free" is of occupational origin, deriving from the Middle English word "frey", meaning someone who was not a serf but instead a free man. The surname could have been acquired by individuals who achieved freedom from serfdom or by those who hailed from a region known for its free peasants.

Distribution

The surname Free is geographically dispersed throughout the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in regions such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.

Notable Individuals

1. Benjamin Free (1802–1874)

A landscape painter known for his stunning portrayals of the British countryside, particularly the rolling hills of Dorset.

2. Elizabeth Free (born 1985)

An acclaimed author whose novels often explore themes of freedom, identity, and societal norms.

Variants

Variants of the surname "Free" include "Frey," "Freeman," and "Freed."

References

Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (1999). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 1,636 people named Free in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,976th most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Free.

Surname type: Status name

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
Christopher
David
James
John
Matthew
Michael
Peter
Robert
Simon

Female

Anne
Caroline
Christine
Elizabeth
Janet
Jennifer
Katie
Laura
Lisa
Margaret
Maria
Nicola
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.