Surname Ferrill - Meaning and Origin
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Ferrill: What does the surname Ferrill mean?
The last name Ferrill is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has several potential meanings. Some believe it derived from the old English word "ferr," meaning “far,” and "hyll," meaning “hill.” Hence, it could possibly metaphorically indicate a person who lives or comes from far away hills.
Another interpretation suggests it may have stemmed from the words "Fear" and "Hill," hinting to the dweller at the feared or formidable hill.
In some sources, it is also linked to the occupation of a ferrier or blacksmith, originating from the Old French term "ferrier."
This surname and its variations may be found as Ferrall, Farrell, Farrelly, Ferrill, O'Ferrall among others. As with any surname, the exact meaning may vary and usually was tied to geographical location, physical characteristics or occupations of the original bearer. Notably, the prefixes "O" or "Mac" hint to Irish roots, implying "descendant of" further proving a long historical lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisFerrill: Where does the name Ferrill come from?
The last name Ferrill is believed to have originated from either France or England. The name is derived from the personal name 'Ferrant,' which means iron-grey. This personal name saw widespread use in the medieval period and was particularly popular in the French regions. 'Ferrant' was adapted over time to become Ferrill.
The surname was likely first used in Somerset, a county in South West England where the Ferrill family held familial seat as Lords of the Manor. Today, the name Ferrill is quite rare and not notably common in any specific region. However, the largest cluster of people with the Ferrill surname reside in the United States, specifically within the states of Kentucky, Ohio, and Alabama. It is also found scattered around the UK, Ireland, and Canada – although in very small numbers. Over the years, the name has also evolved into several variants including Ferrall, Ferrell, and Farrell.
Variations of the surname Ferrill
The surname Ferrill is of Irish origin and it's believed to have been derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Fearghaill, meaning "descendant of Fearghal." This name is composed of the Gaelic elements "fear" meaning man, and "gal" which means valor.
Variations of the surname Ferrill include Ferrell, Farrell, Ferrall, O'Ferrall, O'Farrell, Farrelly, O'Farrelly, Farelly, and Ferelly. Spellings of this surname can vary widely due to factors such as region, literacy levels, and phonetic transliteration from Gaelic to English.
Territorial distribution of these variants may also influence the spelling. For instance, Farrell is common in Ireland, while Ferrell and Ferrill are more typically found in the United States. O'Farrell was historically used in Ireland but is less common now, as the prefix has largely been dropped.
Another reason for the many variations and spellings is the practice of Anglicization, which was common during the 17th and 18th centuries when Ireland was under British rule. To fit into British society or simply to avoid discrimination, many Irish families modified their traditional Gaelic surnames into more English-sounding variations. This practice resulted in a wide diversity of spellings for many Irish surnames, including Ferrill and its variants.
Famous people with the name Ferrill
- Emanne Ferrill: Emanne Ferrill is an American jazz vocalist, writer, and activist. She is best known for her critically acclaimed debut album “From Pain to Power”. Ferrill has toured and performed around the world, and her work has been featured in the New York Times, BBC News, AJ+, and SiriusXM.
- Jody Ferrill: Jody Ferrill is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE under the ring name Jaxson Ryker. He is best known for his time with Hard to Kill professional wrestling promotion.
- Bob Ferrill: Bob Ferrill is a American former basketball coach. He was the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball team from 1977 to 1983; leading them to 4 NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Eric Ferrill: Eric Ferrill is a American former professional basketball player who played 3 seasons in the NBA. He is best remembered for his time playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks.
- Terry Ferrill: Terry Ferrill is a American former professional football player who played as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions. He was selected to the 1980 Pro Bowl and was part of the Lions team that won the 1983 NFC Championship.
- William Ferrill: William Ferrill is a American former track and field athlete and vaulter. Ferrill is best known for being the first vaulter in the United States to break the 5 meter barrier.