FRYE
Frye
Frye is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word freogan, meaning 'to love' or 'to free'. The surname is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was of a loving or generous nature.
Distribution and Variants
The surname Frye is most commonly found in the southern part of England, particularly in the counties of Hampshire, Dorset, and Sussex. Variants of the name include Fry, Fryer, and Fryar.
Notable Individuals
- Elizabeth Frye (1780-1845) - A notable Quaker prison reformer and philanthropist, known for her pioneering work in improving prison conditions and advocating for the welfare of prisoners.
- Christopher Fry (1907-2005) - An English playwright known for his poetic dramas, including "The Lady's Not For Burning" and "A Phoenix Too Frequent".
Cultural References
The surname Frye, particularly through figures like Elizabeth Frye, has become associated with compassion, philanthropy, and social reform in British culture. Various institutions have been named after individuals with the surname, commemorating their contributions to society.
In conclusion, the surname Frye has a rich history in England, embodying values of love, freedom, and charitable work through the notable individuals who have borne the name.
There are approximately 233 people named Frye in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Frye.
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
- Daniel
- Heinz
- James
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Robert
- Roger
- Stephen
Female
- Allana
- Ann
- Claire
- Diane
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Mabel
- Rachael
- Rachel
- Sandra
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
- Fry
- Frey
- Frie
- Fries
- Freye
- Fryc
- Fray
- Fraye
- Fyre
- Faeroy
- Fairey
- Fairy
- Faray
- Farey
- Farray
- Farrey
- Farry
- Fary
- Faury
- Fearey
- Feary
- Feerey
- Feery
- Feray
- Ferey
- Ferray
- Ferrey
- Ferry
- Fery
- Feury
- Firy
- Foray
- Forey
- Forray
- Forrey
- Forry
- Fory
- Fre
- Froy
- Fryce
- Fryd
- Fryde
- Fryen
- Fryes
- Fryet
- Fryg
- Frys
- Fryt
- Fryz
- Fuery
- Furay
- Furey
- Furrey
- Furry
- Furuya
- Fury
- Furye
- Pharey
- Vairy
- Varey
- Variya
- Varrey
- Varry
- Vary
- Vaury
- Vearey
- Veary
- Verey
- Verrey
- Verry
- Very
- Viray
- Virey
- Virrey
- Viry
- Vry
- Fri
- Fryer
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.