FURLONG
Furlong
Furlong is a notable surname of British origin with historical roots dating back to the medieval period. The surname is also found in Ireland, where it is of Norman origin and is derived from the Old French word "furlong", which means 'a measurement of length'.
Origins:
The surname Furlong is believed to have originated in England, specifically in regions with strong Norman influence. The Normans, who were originally of Viking descent, settled in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is thought that the surname Furlong may have been bestowed upon individuals who lived or worked near a furlong, which was an old English unit of length that equalled 220 yards.
Distribution:
The distribution of the surname Furlong is widespread across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Kent, Essex, and Lancashire. Over the centuries, Furlong descendants have migrated to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where the surname continues to be present.
Notable Individuals:
- Thomas Furlong (1751-1833): An influential British architect known for his contributions to Georgian architecture.
- Emily Furlong (b. 1980): A contemporary British artist renowned for her abstract paintings.
- Patrick Furlong (1922-2005): A distinguished British historian specialising in medieval British history.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Furlong include "Furlang" and "Farlong". Over time, surname variants may emerge due to factors such as dialectal variations and clerical errors in record-keeping.
In conclusion, the surname Furlong is a distinguished surname with a rich history and widespread presence in the United Kingdom and beyond. Its Norman origins and associations with measurement make it a fascinating name that reflects the heritage and legacy of the British Isles.
There are approximately 3,547 people named Furlong in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,592nd most common surname in Britain. Around 54 in a million people in Britain are named Furlong.
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
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
Female
- Alison
- Amanda
- Catherine
- Claire
- Helen
- Irene
- Margaret
- Marie
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan