Surname Follett - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Follett: What does the surname Follett mean?
The surname Follett is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre 7th Century personal name "Fugol", meaning "bird", with the addition of the diminutive suffix "-et". As a personal name, it was used to describe someone with a cheerful or bright disposition, the characteristics associated with a little bird. It was first adopted as a surname in the Middle Ages, predominantly in the region of Devon, England. There are various spelling variations of the name, including Follet, Follett, Folett, and Fullett. Like many other surnames formed due to phonetic spelling during a time when literacy was uncommon, these variations were created based on how Follett sounded when spoken locally. In the modern era, the name is carried by noted individuals like Ken Follett, the popular Welsh author of thrillers and historical novels.
Order DNA origin analysisFollett: Where does the name Follett come from?
The surname Follett is of French origin. It first emerged in the northern region of Normandy. The name is derived from the old French word "follet," meaning "mad, crazy." In some cases, it could also have been a diminutive of the name "Foulques," a popular given name during the Middle Ages, or of "Foul," a nickname meaning "foul" or "dirty."
After the Norman Conquest, many of the Norman nobility moved to England and thus, the surname Follett eventually made its way to England, where it became common over the centuries. Due to emigration over the years, this surname has spread and can now be found in various countries around the globe.
Today, the surname Follett can be found most frequently in the United States, England, and Canada. Within England, it is especially prevalent in Devon. The name is also common in Australia, but less common in non-English-speaking countries. Notably, there are several notable people with the last name Follett, including British author Ken Follett, which has likely increased the visibility and spread of the surname.
Variations of the surname Follett
The surname Follett has various spellings and variants due to regional and national differences, as well as changes over time. These spellings can include: Follet, Folet, Follit, Follitt, Folliot, Foliot, Foliott, and Foleyet. More distant variations may also be found.
The name Follett is of Norman origin, dating back to Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It's derived from the Old French "folet", meaning "madman" or "fool", suggesting that the original bearer of the name may have been a jester or fool in a royal or noble household. Given its Norman roots, surnames that share the same or similar origin include other Norman-French names, such as Devereaux, Beaumont, Duval, and Montague.
It's important to note that the variations in spelling of the name Follett would have resulted mainly from the phonetic spellings by scribes and clerks who recorded the name in the historical documents. This practice was common in the Middle Ages, owing to lack of standardization in language and spellings.
Famous people with the name Follett
- Ken Follett: He is a famous British author known for his historical novels such as "Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End".
- Barbara Follett: She is a British Labour Party politician who served as Member of Parliament. She is also the wife of Ken Follett.
- Mary Parker Follett: An American social worker, management consultant, and pioneer in the fields of organizational theory and organizational behavior.
- Peter Follett: He was a notable Australian barrister and politician, serving as the Attorney-General of Queensland.
- Paul Follett: A British stunt performer noted for his roles in films such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Dark Knight Rises.
- Jean Follett: An American cultural heritage consultant and preservationist.
- Martha Foley: An American fiction editor and patron of the literary arts, although her maiden name was Follett.
- David Follett: An English cricketer who played for Devon.
- Martin Follett: He was a British politician and a member of the UK parliament.
- Karla Faye Tucker: A famous criminal, although her maiden name was Follett. Please note, the level of fame for these individuals may vary depending on public interest in their respective fields.