Surname Filbey - Meaning and Origin

Filbey: What does the surname Filbey mean?

The surname Filbey is of English origin. The name means 'by the ford', and is derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century word 'ford', which referred to a shallow area of a river that could be crossed by one's feet, or a shallow area of a lake, or marsh area near the sea. The name would therefore have been originally given to someone who lived near a crossing-place, and who was therefore assigned the job of supervising the cross-traffic.

In the Middle Ages, an important name for a ford-keeper would have been a significant social position, and they would have been expected to manage the nearby ferry, collect tolls, and assist pilgrims crossing the river or lake. As a result, the Filbey family rose to prominence in various parts of England during this period, and developed an associated heraldic crest and coat of arms.

The Filbey surname is still commonly found in Britain today. A number of notable people with the surname include William Filbey, a British trade unionist and prominent member of the Labour Party in the 1920s and 1930s, and James Filbey, an English actor who appeared in such films as 'The King's Speech' and 'The Imitation Game'.

The surname Filbey has a long and proud history, and those who bear it share a strong connection to England's past. It is not only a reminder of those who came before, but also an inspiration of those who will come after.

Filbey: Where does the name Filbey come from?

The surname Filbey is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is a locational surname deriving from the place called Filby in Norfolk, England. The place name itself is composed of the Old Norse elements "Fili", a personal name, and "by", meaning "farm" or "settlement". Thus, the surname would mean "Fili's settlement". In England, the distribution of the name largely focused in Norfolk, Sussex, and Middlesex during the Middle Ages.

In the modern day, the name Filbey is quite rare and is not particularly prevalent in any specific country. However, like many English surnames, it can be found in places where there was historical British settlement, including Australia, Canada, and the United States. The Internet Surname Database suggests that the surname has over time developed into several different forms including Filby, Philby, Filbee, Filbey, and Philbey. These variations are spread out quite widely across the English-speaking world, further obfuscating the commonality of the Filbey variant.

Variations of the surname Filbey

The surname Filbey may trace its origins back to the British Isles, and specifically to Irish, English or Scottish genealogy. It has since undergone numerous changes in its spelling, and adaptations also developed as many families emigrated to other parts of the world. The different variants of the surname Filbey might include Filby, Filbee, Fillbey, Filbie, Philbey, and Felby among others.

Surnames similar in origin or spelling might include Gilbey, Milbey, Bilbey, and Wilbey. It is also speculated that the surname may be a variant of the surnames Philby or possibly Selby.

It is worth noting that variations in spelling of the same original surname can be due to a branch of the family spelling it differently, regional pronunciation or even wrongful recording of the name. It is always recommended to look at all possible variations when conducting genealogical research.

The meaning of the name and its origin would require further, more detailed research, as it may not only vary due to the region of origin but also by the context and time in which the name was first used.

Famous people with the name Filbey

• Peter Filbey: British composer and orchestrator
• Coral Ann Filbey: British theatre and television actress
• Danni Filbey: Reality TV star featured on The Only Way Is Essex
• Neil Filbey: British former cricketer
• Andy Filbey: former rugby union footballer
• Mark Filbey: British Premier League footballer
• Jan Filbey: Rock and blues drum instructor
• Rachel Filbey: British faith-based speaker
• Josh Filbey: British sound designer
• David Filbey: British property investor

Other surnames

FilbeeFilbert