Furse

Furse is a surname of English origin, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have derived from the Old French word "fors," meaning "lean" or "strong," and may have been used to describe someone who was either physically fit or thin.

Origins

The Furse family name is primarily found in the counties of Devon and Cornwall in the southwestern part of England. These regions have historically been strongholds of the Furse surname, suggesting that the name may have originated from local place names or prominent families in the area.

Notable Individuals

1. William Furse

  • William Furse was a renowned artist of the 19th century known for his landscape paintings and depictions of rural scenes in England. His works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries across the country.

2. Emily Furse

  • Emily Furse was a pioneering suffragette who played a significant role in the fight for women's voting rights in early 20th-century Britain. Her activism and dedication to the cause have been acknowledged in various historical records.

Legacy

The Furse surname, though not as widespread as some common English surnames, has maintained a strong presence in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, where families with this name continue to contribute to various fields, including the arts, politics, and academia.

References

  • P.H. Reany, R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd Edition, 1997).
  • H.B. Guppy, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain (1890).

There are approximately 654 people named Furse in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Furse.

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
  • Jonathan
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Ann
  • Corinna
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Paulette
  • Rachel
  • Sara
  • Susan
  • Susanne
  • Victoria
  • Violet

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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