Surname Farish - Meaning and Origin

Farish: What does the surname Farish mean?

The last name Farish is believed to be of English and Scottish origin, and is derived from the name Ferrers. Ferrers was a Norman name that originated from the location of Ferrieres-Saint-Hilaire in France. The name was adopted by people who had been associated with Ferrieres-Saint-Hilaire, and eventually evolved into the surname Farish. The spelling of the name has changed over time, with other spellings such as Ferris and Furish also being common variants.

The surname Farish itself is believed to come from a West Saxon word that means ‘dweller at a ferris,’ the ferris being a small area of marshy land typically located near a river or stream, which could be drained for agricultural purposes. People living near or working on ferris land often adopted the label as identification, and sometimes this label evolved into a surname.

The Farish family has a rich history, with numerous branches that have branched out across England and Scotland and even to America and Canada. In America, the Farish name is most concentrated in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, though it can be found in nearly every state.

The Farish surname carries with it historical connections, whether familial or geographical, and in many ways it is a symbol of the hard-working, close-knit communities of yesteryear.

Farish: Where does the name Farish come from?

The last name Farish is quite common throughout the world today. It is most prevalent in the United States and is particularly common in the south. Farish is also found throughout the United Kingdom and is especially popular in Scotland.

In Scotland, Farish is a family name of Norman origin from the French Ferree. It is believed the surname may have been derived from the Gaelic fer fheasgain meaning sturdy oak or iron-hard man, although there is some evidence that points to a possible Norse origin as well, meaning one who comes from a village located near a swamp or marsh.

In the past, the Farish surname has also appeared in Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries, though its presence may have waned over time. Yet it continues to live on, mostly as a result of family connections and emigration as many of the Farish family have traveled to other countries and continents over the years.

Whether the Farish surname originated in Normandy, Scotland, or Ireland, it still lives on today as an example of the many travelers throughout history who have left their mark on the world.

Variations of the surname Farish

The surname Farish is of English origin and derived from a diminutive of the Old French personal name "Fier". Variations, spellings, and surnames which can be considered of the same origin as Farish include:

Farrish, Farrys, Farries, Farris, Fareesh, Farish, Farishs, Faries, Farriss, Feries.

The surname Farish is assumed to have evolved from the West Saxon tribe of the same name, who lived in Lincolnshire in the pre-Norman period. Early recordings include Hamo de Farissh in the 13th century.

In the English language, Farish appeared as a local name. It is likely derived from the Old English words "faeren," which translates as "stranger" or "alien," and "fier," which indicated a person of French descent or one who was born and raised in a foreign country.

In Scotland, Farish is recorded in the north-east of Scotland. Angus Farish was a 16th century monk at the Monastery of Lindores in Fife, and in 1723 one William Farish is recorded in Edinburgh.

In Ireland, the surname Farish may have derived from the Gaelic name Mac Farcha or Mac Faris. An example is John Farrish, who was born in County Waterford in 1798.

Another spelling variations for Farish is Farrish. This spelling is commonly seen as an Americanized version of the British name.

Regardless of the spelling, Farish is an ancient surname with several variations, spellings, and alternate surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Farish

• Mitch Farish: American professional racing driver
• Rupert Farish: American portrait painter
• Joe Farish: American entrepreneur
• Bill Farish Sr.: American businessman
• Andrew Farish: Australian brewer and winemaker
• Joe Farish Jr.: American businessman and Republican politician
• Chris Farish: American singer-songwriter
• Robert Farish: English artist
• Robert Farish Jr.: English portrait artist
• Phil Farish: British journalist
• Mark Farish: British author
• Daniel Farish: American entrepreneur
• Mike Farish: American professional basketball player
• Richard Farish: American Olympic athlete
• Sean Farish: American Multi-Instrumentalist & Music Composer
• Everett Farish: American Lawyer
• Thomas Farish: British organist
• Anne Farish: British Artist
• Gary Farish: American Musician
• Ian Farish: British Surgeon

Other surnames

FarisFariss