Surname Fentress - Meaning and Origin
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Fentress: What does the surname Fentress mean?
The surname Fentress is of English origin and derived from an early medieval occupational name. It can be traced back to Fenetre, which means ‘window’ in Old French. Historically, the name was given to a person who crafted or installed windows, hence a glazier or window-maker. The surname was first found in the county of Yorkshire, England, thus making the Fentress family a part of British nobility from ancient times. It has various spelling variations that evolved over time, including Fentriss, Fentrice, and Fentris, among others. Like many surnames, interpretations can vary. Some resources may suggest a regional or geographical origin or can be related to any unique incident related to the original bearer of the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisFentress: Where does the name Fentress come from?
The surname Fentress is of Anglo-Saxon origin, stemming from the Old English personal name "Fenris" which means "Fen dwellers," thus indicating a possible geographic origin for the family. It is attributed to individuals living near fens or marshes. It has undergone various changes over time before evolving into its current form 'Fentress'.
The surname Fentress is not very common today and is mostly found in the United States. It gained some prominence in the state of Virginia initially, due to Naval Captain Philip Fentress who was a notable figure in the early history of America. In fact, Fentress County, Tennessee, and Fentress, Virginia were named after him. While the concentration is higher in these areas, bearers of the surname Fentress can now be found spread across various parts of America. The name is also to a lesser extent found in the United Kingdom and Canada today.
Variations of the surname Fentress
The surname Fentress is relatively rare, and there are limited variants or other surnames of the same origin available. However, it might be derived from different spellings and other surnames depending on geographical location, transliteration, or personal preference. Some possible variations could include Fentris, Fantress, and Fentrus.
The exact origin of the surname Fentress is unclear. It might have originated from a place name, occupation, or other descriptor that was later adapted into a surname. If this is the case, it could be related to other surnames with similar beginnings, endings, or sounds. Therefore, other surnames of the same or similar origin could include Fenwick, Fenton, Fenster, and others.
Due to the complex nature of surname origins and the variety of factors that can influence the spelling and pronunciation of a surname, it's important to note that this is just one possible interpretation, and further research may yield additional possibilities.
Famous people with the name Fentress
- Ashton Fentress: A professional tug-of-war athlete from Kentucky who has won numerous gold medals in the sport.
- Adam Fentress: A musician best known as the lead singer of the rock band, The Misaligned.
- Frank Fentress: An American architect known for his modernist designs such as the offering "X-Building" in midtown Manhattan.
- Ryan Fentress: An American football player who was a member of the All-American team at the University of North Carolina.
- Abbie Fentress: The lead actress in the award-winning short film, Sunshine For a Moment.
- Isaiah Fentress: An American actor, best known for portraying Mr. Jenkins in the popular Netflix series, Lady Dynamite.
- Aaron Fentress: An American musician and songwriter, best known for his work in the hip-hop and rap genres.
- Jack Fentress: An American entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded the successful tech company, MindsEye.
- Sean Fentress: A professional wrestler who has placed in numerous international competitions.
- Emily Fentress: An American author and poet recently named "Best New Voice" by the Los Angeles Times Book Awards.