What is the origin of the last name Farr?

The last name Farr originates from England and Scotland, deriving from an Old English pre 7th-century personal name "Fearn", meaning "fern", or from the Old Norse personal names "Fari" or "Fara", denoting a traveler or a journey. Alternatively, the name could also have originated from the Gaelic surname "O'Fearghaill", meaning "man of valor". Over time, variations of the name Farr have emerged, including Farrar, Ferrar, Farrer, and others, reflecting different regional dialects and spelling variations.

Countries of origin for the last name Farr

The last name Farr is a name of English origin. It is a relatively uncommon surname, ranking as the 16,859th most common surname in the United States. The name Farr is believed to have derived from the Old English word “fearn,” which means “fern.” The significance of the fern in relation to the name is not entirely clear.

The surname Farr is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the states of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. This suggests that the name may have been brought to America by early English immigrants or settlers in these regions. However, it is important to note that the name Farr can be found in other English-speaking countries as well, including England, Canada, and Australia.

Historical records indicate that individuals with the last name Farr have held a variety of occupations throughout history. These occupations include farmers, blacksmiths, carpenters, and clerks. This suggests that the name did not originate from a specific occupational or social group, but rather was adopted by individuals from various walks of life.

One notable individual with the last name Farr is Sir George Farr, a British surgeon and medical pioneer who lived in the 18th century. Sir George Farr made significant contributions to the field of anatomy and surgery, particularly in the areas of obstetrics and gynecology. His groundbreaking work paved the way for advancements in these fields, and he is widely regarded as a pioneer in medical science.

The exact number of individuals with the last name Farr is difficult to ascertain, as it varies over time. However, it is estimated that there are currently around 9,000 individuals in the United States with the name Farr. This number is subject to change as new individuals are born or immigration patterns shift.

Overall, the surname Farr is rooted in English history and has been carried by individuals of diverse backgrounds. While its exact meaning and origin remain somewhat elusive, the name Farr continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestral past and leaving room for exploration and discovery.

Interesting facts about the last name Farr

  • The surname Farr is derived from the Scandinavian personal name ‘Farri,’ meaning ‘a traveler’ or ‘a journey’
  • It is believed that the name Farr is of Norse-Viking origin and was brought to England during the Viking Age
  • The name Farr is most commonly found in England, Scotland, and Ireland
  • Several variations of the surname Farr exist, including Farrar, Ferrier, Ferrar, and Farre
  • The Farr name is associated with the famous Scottish Clan Farquharson, whose seat is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
  • The name Farr has connections to the Feorlingas, a powerful Viking family that settled in England
  • Notable individuals with the surname Farr include American novelist and broadcaster John Farr, British novelist Sheila Farr, and British geologist Horace Waller Farr
  • The Farr surname is relatively rare, ranking 3,368th out of 88,799 surnames in the United States
  • According to genealogical records, there are approximately 15,000 individuals with the surname Farr in the United States
  • The meaning and origins of the Farr surname make it a symbol of adventure, travel, and resilience

Name Rank

#1794

There are around 20011 people with the last name Farr in the US

Related Names

Related Regions