Surname Farthing - Meaning and Origin

Farthing: What does the surname Farthing mean?

The surname Farthing is of English origin and is derived from the Old English expression 'feorðing' meaning "fourth part" or "quarter". This surname was used mainly as a topographic name for someone who lived in a place divided into quarters. It could also refer to someone who owned a quarter of a certain piece of land and from the Middle Ages, it became an occupational name for someone who was employed in the collection of tolls or other taxes.

Farthing is also found as a nickname for someone who frequently handled or gave out farthings. Farthings were a contemporary unit of money, used up until the early 1960's. Since 1787, it was the lowest value coin circulated in England. People living in remote parts of the country called these coins 'Farthins', which became the origin of the Farthing surname.

In more modern times, Farthing is a surname found across the British Isles, primarily in England.

The Farthing family crest depicts three gold Farthing coins on a silver shield, underscored with the motto “Fiducia Sempiterno”, meaning "steadfastness forever".

Overall, Farthing is a surname steeped in English history, reminding us of the value we assign to money, no matter what era. It’s a classic old-world surname with a long legacy to be honored.

Farthing: Where does the name Farthing come from?

The Farthing surname is most common in the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Isles, as well as parts of Canada, including Newfoundland.

The name Farthing is likely derived from Old English, most likely from one of two possible meanings. The first being from the Old English word "feorðing," which means fourth, and the second being fowerthing, which means a fourth part. The name was given to someone who was a part of a quartet or was one-fourth of something.

In the UK, the Farthing surname is most commonly found in the counties of Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire. It is thought to be an Anglo-Saxon surname, as it appears most prominently in these counties, which were occupied by the Anglo-Saxons from the early 5th Century.

The majority of individuals bearing the Farthing surname can be found in the English counties, with smaller numbers in Wales and Scotland. Although the Farthing surname is not common in many other countries, it is thought to have spread from the British Isles to parts of Canada, Germany, South Africa and the United States, with a very small population in each region.

Overall, the Farthing surname remains most common in the British Isles, with strong connections in Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.

Variations of the surname Farthing

Farthing is an English surname of uncertain origin, although most sources list it as being derived from the Old English word ferðing, meaning "a fourth part", referring to a form of medieval taxation. Variations on the name Farthing include Farting, Farthinge, Fathinge, and Farninge. Spellings for the surname may also include Farthinge, Fahring, Farning, and Farnin.

The Farthing surname is a popularly found in the United States, Canada, and England. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the Midwestern states of Ohio and Michigan, as well as in Pennsylvania. In Canada, the Farthing surname is found mostly in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. In England, the surname can be found all over the country, particularly in London and the East Midlands.

The Farthing surname is also found in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and India. In Australia, it is most commonly found in Queensland, while in New Zealand it can be found mainly in the North Island. In Africa, the surname is found mostly in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. In India, the surname is most commonly found in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

In some cases, the surname Farthing has been shortened to Farth or Fahrth, while in other cases it has evolved to become Farr, Farrow, or Fogarty. Surnames related in origin to Farthing include Farrish, Freemantle, and Frith, which may be derived from ferðing.

Famous people with the name Farthing

• Ruth Farthing: An Australian zoologist and environmental scientist.
• Priscilla Farthing: an American meteorologist and science educator.
• Antony Farthing: an English physician, author, and examining doctor.
• Solomon Farthing: an American actor and singer best known for his role as Benjamin in the Broadway musical Hairspray.
• Amani Farthing: an American singer and songwriter.
• George Farthing: an American artist and illustrator.
• Mark Farthing: an English painter and sculptor.
• Sylvia Farthing: a British artist and designer.
• Thomas Farthing: a British actor and musician.
• Miriam Farthing: an American medical professional and founder of the Special Medical Consortium for Children.
• Raven Farthing: an American fencer, national championship winner, and motivational speaker.
• Christopher Farthing: an English artist and sculptor.
• Michael Farthing: a British barrister and judge.
• Rosemary Farthing: an English author and illustrator of children's books.
• David Farthing: an Australian artist specializing in abstract painting.
• John Farthing: a British solicitor and member of the Law Society of England and Wales.
• Francis Farthing: a British politician and former Labour Member of Parliament.
• Laura Farthing: an American actress and comedian.
• Simon Farthing: an English composer and guitarist.
• Jo Farthing: a British businesswoman and former chairwoman of the UK Sports Council.

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