Surname Ferries - Meaning and Origin
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Ferries: What does the surname Ferries mean?
The surname Ferries is primarily Scottish in origin and falls under the category of occupational surnames. It originally derived from the Old Norse word "ferjask", which translates to "to embark," or from the Danish word "færge", meaning "ferry". It was given to individuals who worked as ferry operators or lived by a ferry crossing, as a means to denote their occupation or location. Individuals carrying this surname are likely to have ancestors who were linked to such professions or areas. Over the years, variations of the surname have emerged, including Ferry, Ferrie, and others. Surnames often served functional purposes in the past, as they helped distinguish individuals by their trade, parentage, or place of residence, among other factors. Hence, the surname Ferries is a testament to the individual's familial connection to jobs or locations related to ferry crossings.
Order DNA origin analysisFerries: Where does the name Ferries come from?
The last name Ferries is of Scottish origin and is derived from an occupational name for a ferryman, from the Middle English "ferry", a variant of "fere", meaning a companion and the suffix -s. It was often given to people who operated ferries, lived near a ferry, or possibly held land in return for maintaining a ferry.
Over the years, the surname has seen various spellings, including Ferrie, Ferry, Ferrey, Ferries, among others. The first noted reference of the surname dates back to the 13th century in Shropshire, England. After many years of migration and diaspora, the surname Ferries has spread to many English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Today, it can still be found in significant numbers in Scotland, particularly in the region of Sutherland, and across the United Kingdom. Other countries with notable incidences of the Ferries surname, owing to immigration, include the United States and Canada.
Variations of the surname Ferries
The surname Ferries might have several variations and spellings due to regional differences, mispronunciations, or even simple clerical errors from the past. Some of these variations include Ferrie, Farris, Ferris, Ferrys, Ferry, Ferriss, Ferress, Faries, Fearies, and Farries.
This surname might have derived from the personal name Fergus, which comes from the Gaelic 'fear' and 'gus' that translates to "the right choice". It is also possible that Ferries originally was a nickname for someone who worked as a ferryman or lived near a ferry.
Furthermore, the surname could have originated from different places, leading to various forms of the surname. For instance, it could have also descended from Farish, a surname derived from the Gaelic 'Fearghas', meaning 'super-choice'. Hence, other related surnames might be Farish, Farrish, or Fergushill.
Note that the exact origins and all variants of the surname Ferries can vary widely, and this summary might not encompass all possibilities. Genealogical research, including the use of DNA testing, can provide more accurate insights into the origins and variations of family names.
Famous people with the name Ferries
- Patrick Ferries: He is a well-known Scottish footballer who played for several clubs including Montrose and Peterhead.
- Hugo Ferries: An emerging actor known for his roles in various Australian television series such as 'Neighbours'.
- Karen Ferries: A prominent figure in the world of chess, Karen is a British chess player who has represented her country in international championships.
- Nathan Ferries: A Canadian social and political activist, particularly recognized for his work with indigenous rights and environmental issues.
- Shawn Ferries: An American cinematographer and director, especially recognized for his work on independent films.
- Bryan Ferry: While not spelt the same, Bryan Ferry is a significant figure who might come up when discussing this surname. The English singer and songwriter was the lead vocalist for the rock band Roxy Music, and has also had a successful solo career. Since 'Ferries' is not a common surname, there are no globally renowned personalities with this exact last name as per the current record. Hence, the list includes people who have made significant contributions even if they may not be globally famous.