Surname Frome - Meaning and Origin

Frome: What does the surname Frome mean?

The surname Frome is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to be a locational name deriving from a place called Frome in Somerset, England. The place name 'Frome' itself is derived from Old English word 'fram', meaning brisk or strong, referring to the rapid river in the area. The surname dates back to the late 12th Century and variations of the spelling have included Frem, Fremm, and Froome over the centuries. Individuals with the surname Frome may have historical ties to this region of England. It is also found in the title of Edith Wharton's novel, "Ethan Frome," where it refers to the main character. In this context, it does not carry a specific meaning, serving instead as the character's name.

Frome: Where does the name Frome come from?

The surname Frome is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a place name. Frome is a town in the county of Somerset, England. The name was first recorded as a surname in the 12th century in this region. Place-based surnames typically were adopted by people who moved from that location, often used to indicate their original home.

Today, the surname Frome is not widely common but can be found sporadically around the world. This includes England itself, as well as other countries that have seen significant British emigration over the centuries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, its distribution is quite scattered and not significantly prevalent in any specific region. The frequency and spread of the surname may have been affected by factors such as migration, occupational shifts, and phonetic alterations over time.

As with any surname, its presence in an individual's genealogy could reflect various pathways of lineage and descent, making it a potentially interesting aspect to investigate for those exploring their family history.

Variations of the surname Frome

The surname Frome has a few variations and possible origins. It may be a locational surname originating from the town of Frome in Somerset, England. This name could have been modified or changed over centuries as families moved, migrated, or simply wanted to differentiate themselves. Alternate spellings or variations might include From, Froome, Froom, or Frume.

Frome can also be a variant of the German surname Fromm, suggesting a person of pious or religious demeanor. In this case, variations can include Fromme, Fromm, or even Vromen in Yiddish-speaking settings.

There is a possibility that in some cases, the surname Frome could also have Scandinavian roots given the Scandinavian usage of "from" to mean "vigorous" or "lively."

Overall, it is less about variations of the surname and more about the root word's meaning in different cultures or languages. As with many surnames, spelling varies primarily due to phonetic spelling during migration and changes in language over time. Frome is relatively unique, and its variations or associated surnames could depend significantly on geographical location or cultural context.

Famous people with the name Frome

• Jared Frome, actor and composer
• Larry Frome, author
• George Frome, American Revolutionary War soldier
• Apollos Frome, Canadian businessman
• William Frome, 19th-century British governor
• Ellen Frome, full-time philanthropist
• Edward Frome, 19th-century mayor of Hull, England
• Rebecca Frome, former teacher and writer
• Austin Frome, novelist and poet
• George Frome, Irish-born Australian entrepreneur

Other surnames

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