Surname Foscott - Meaning and Origin
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Foscott: What does the surname Foscott mean?
The last name Foscott is of English origin and means 'dweller near the bird-trap forest'. It is believed that the name originated from many villages and towns in England in the Middle Ages, where people lived close to woodlands where bird-traps were set.
These traps were used to catch small birds which were either kept as pets or used as food. The name designates those who lived in the areas close to these traps, and in many cases the families who bore the name Foscott were likely hunters and gatherers who relied on their surroundings.
The Foscotts are believed to have been particularly active in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire in England in the 13th and 14th centuries. By the late 16th century, families bearing the name had spread to American colonies, and they remain in the United States to this day.
Today, the Foscotts are a family scattered across the world, largely remembered for their global origins, their proud, strong contributions to their respective communities, and their lasting connection to the bird-trap forests of England.
Order DNA origin analysisFoscott: Where does the name Foscott come from?
The last name Foscott is not a particularly common one, however, it does appear primarily throughout the United Kingdom. According to the UK census of 2011, there were around 601 people with the last name Foscott living in England and Wales. Most of the people with the last name Foscott lived in the metropolitan counties ofMerseyside, Greater Manchester, and West Yorkshire. Additionally, it is seen to be found in Lancashire, Devon, Yorkshire and East Sussex.
The surname Foscott appears to have its roots in the West Midlands of England with the earliest available records showing the family residing in the medieval village of Foscote, in the county of Warwickshire in the 12th century. The Warwickshire county parish registers record several early baptisms of Foscott family members.
Most contemporary Foscotts are likely descended from this small 12th century family in Warwickshire. The Foscotts appear to have overcome geographical difficulties and prospered as shown by the multiple Foscott lines in the UK today. As of 2021, most of the Foscotts living in the England and Wales area still reside in the same metropolitan areas as their 12th Century ancestor’s village in the West Midlands of England.
Variations of the surname Foscott
The surname Foscott is believed to have come from Staffordshire, England and is believed to be either a locational or topographical surname. The spelling of Foscott can also be found as Foscot, Foescott or Foscut.
The surname Foscott may have derived from mossy cottage or rocky cottage, making it a topographical surname. Topographical surnames are a type of surname that refer to a physical feature or landscape, describing a unique area someone lived in or owned.Foscott is a variant of Foscut or Foscot, which derived from the Olde English word foscope, meaning fox trap or hedge gap. This could suggest that the original bearer of this surname lived near a fox trap or hedge gap.
Foscotes is another variant of the surname Foscott and may have derived from the Olde English words fenne and cote, meaning marshy cottage. This may have referred to someone who lived in a cottage surrounded by marshy land.
Foskett is yet another variant of the surname Foscott and is believed to have derived from the Olde English pre 7th century word ‘fennec,’ which meant fox. The original bearer of this surname may have lived in a place where there were a lot of foxes or been a trapper of foxes.
Foskitt is an alternate spelling of Foskett and has the same origins. This variant appears to have come from the Olde English words fox and cott, meaning fox cottage. This suggests that the original bearer of the surname Foskitt lived near a fox’s den or a densley populated area of foxes.
Overall, the surname Foscott has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variants, spellings and surnames are likely to have come from Staffordshire, England and may derive from the Olde English pre 7th century words ‘fenne’, ‘cote’, ‘foscope’, ‘fennec’ and ‘fox’. These variants may also refer to someone who lived near a fox trap or hedge gap, a marshy cottage, a fox’s den or a densley populated area of foxes.
Famous people with the name Foscott
- Jackson Foscot: English professional footballer who plays for Woking.
- Staten Foscott: American professional basketball player who has played in the NBA.
- Anita Foscott: British children’s author who is best known for her novel, “The Wonderful Adventures of Nilly”.
- Caleb Foscott: Award-winning Canadian actor who is well-known for his roles in television shows including “Boomtown” and “Dark Angel”.
- Kayla Foscott: British pop singer who achieved considerable fame with her two albums “Over the Nightingale” and “Right Here Waiting”, both of which were certified gold.
- Jacob Foscott: Canadian forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Brad Foscott: American chess master, best known for his win over GM Kasparov in a Chess 960 match.
- Miranda Foscott: English film director and producer who is recognized for her work in the horror genre.
- Theo Foscott: Canadian music producer and songwriter who has earned acclaim for producing hit singles for many internationally renowned artists.
- Arron Foscott: American football player who was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.