Furness

Origin and Meaning Furness is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Old French word "fornais" which means "oven". This surname is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a baker or a worker in a kiln.

Distribution The surname Furness has a long history in the United Kingdom, particularly in the region of Northern England, especially in Cumbria and Lancashire. The Furness name can also be found in parts of Wales and Scotland as a result of migration and settlement patterns.

Notable Individuals

  • Barbara Furness (1912–1994), British actress known for her work in theatre and television.
  • William Furness (1802–1896), American unitarian minister and abolitionist of British descent.
  • Erin Furness (b. 1985), British musician and songwriter known for her folk-inspired music.

Coat of Arms The Furness family crest features a red shield with a gold chevron symbolizing protection and loyalty. Above the chevron are three gold estoiles representing honor and achievement. The red colour symbolizes courage and bravery.

Legacy The Furness surname has left a lasting legacy in British history, with individuals of the name making significant contributions to various fields such as the arts, literature, and politics. The family name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to its historical roots.

There are approximately 4,343 people named Furness in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,160th most common surname in Britain. Around 67 in a million people in Britain are named Furness.

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Judith
  • Karen
  • Kathleen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

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