FRETWELL
Fretwell
Fretwell is an ancient and distinguished surname of English origin. It is locational and derives from various places in Yorkshire, specifically within the districts of Bradford, Sheffield, and Rotherham. The name Fretwell is derived from the Old English elements 'frea', meaning lord or master, and 'wella', meaning stream or spring. This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have resided near a prominent stream or spring, possibly indicating a notable feature in the landscape.
The earliest known recording of the Fretwell surname dates back to the medieval period, with records showing it to have been established in Yorkshire. Over the centuries, the surname has spread throughout England and beyond as families migrated and settled in different regions.
Fretwell has featured prominently in British history, with individuals bearing the name making contributions to various fields such as literature, academia, and the arts. Notable bearers of the Fretwell surname have been documented in historical records, and their achievements have added to the legacy of the name.
Today, the surname Fretwell continues to be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and in countries with British diaspora populations. Family histories and genealogical research have helped preserve the legacy of the Fretwell name, ensuring that its significance is recognised and celebrated by generations to come.
There are approximately 3,251 people named Fretwell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,797th most common surname in Britain. Around 50 in a million people in Britain are named Fretwell.
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
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Amy
- Anne
- Claire
- Elaine
- Emma
- Helen
- Joanne
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan