Surname Fullbright - Meaning and Origin
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Fullbright: What does the surname Fullbright mean?
The last name Fullbright is an English surname derived from the words "ful", meaning "very" or "completely", and "bright", meaning "happy". It is thought to have been an occupational name for someone who was "blessed with a sunny disposition" or who was a cheerful, optimistic person.
The surname Fullbright can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, when it first appeared in historical records. It was a common last name in the 1400s, and some families took it as their surname as they moved from place to place. It was particularly prominent in Lancashire and Yorkshire, the two major families who bore the name in these regions being the Fullbright family of Accrington and the Fullbright family of Dover.
The Fullbright family was known for its strong sense of loyalty and its commitment to the Church of England. Their strong ties to the faith were evident in their public activities and writings. They were active in parish government and religious education, and they were renowned for their hospitality.
Fullbright is a surname that has stood the test of time, having been present in English families for the past 500 years or so. It has remained prominent in the North of England and has been carried to other regions and countries by members of the Fullbright family who have settled there. It is a reminder of their dedication to their faith, their commitment to family values, and their lasting, sunny disposition.
Order DNA origin analysisFullbright: Where does the name Fullbright come from?
The last name Fullbright is a common surname in the United States today, particularly in the Deep South, where it has a long-standing history. The Fullbrights may first appear in America as early as 1657, when two brothers named Robert and Laurence Fullbright immigrated to the American colonies from England. These two men are believed to be the progenitors of the Fullbright family in America.
Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, the Fullbrights migrated from the East Coast to the Southern states. Today, the highest concentration of this surname is found in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Many members of the Fullbright family also moved to the Southwest and to California during the 20th century, making it a relatively common surname in these regions as well.
The Fullbright family tree is rich with historical figures, including Revolutionary War veterans, politicians, politicians, musicians, authors, and others. And, while the Fullbrights of the Revolutionary War era lived throughout the colonies and beyond, many of their descendants still remain in the Deep South, providing a strong connection to the family's past.
Today, the last name Fullbright is most often associated with the states in the Deep South, though it can be found throughout the United States. It is a proud symbol of the family’s past and a reminder of their struggle for freedom and a better future.
Variations of the surname Fullbright
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as Fullbright are:
Fulbright, Foelbright, Foulbright, Fowlebright, Folbright, Fullbrithe, Fulbrath, Foulbrigge, Fouldbryght, Fauldbryght, Foulbryght, Fouldbryght, Fortbryght, Folbrigg, Fullbrig, Foulbrygge, Fulebrig, Fowlebryge, Fowlebryg, Allbright, Albright.
Fulbright is most likely the Anglo-Saxon spelling and origin of the surname Fullbright. In the pre-Norman era, the spelling was most likely Foelbryght or Fowlebryght. Ancestry records indicate that the first recorded mention of this surname was Simon Foelbryght of Lincolnshire, England in 1200.
The modern spelling, Fullbright, appears to be Germanic in origin, likely deriving from Foulbryght. This spelling is mainly found in the United States. Early records show John Foulbryght from Germany and Hans Foulbrigge from Austria, both immigrating to America in the 1700s.
The spelling Albright, which is mostly found in America, is thought to be a corruption of the earlier spelling Allbright. The first recorded Albright in America was Joseph Albright, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732.
At its base, the surname Fullbright is likely derived from either the Old English foelbrygt or Middle English foulebryght, both of which mean “clever and bright.” It is a symbol of inherited wisdom and a reminder to stay alert and think clearly.
Famous people with the name Fullbright
- Bob Fullbright: Arkansas State Senator
- Toby Fullbright: Astronomer who studied the planet Uranus
- Steve Fullbright: Former Major League Baseball player
- Bill Fullbright: Four-time mayor of Hobbs, New Mexico
- Adelaide Fullbright: Charismatic and devoted founder of Fullbright Orphanage Home
- Meg Fullbright: Professional ballerina of Ruth St. Denis Dance Company
- Luke Fullbright: Lead singer of the beach music group, The Carolina Sounds
- Matt Fullbright: Award-winning film composer
- Jake Fullbright: Award-winning instrumentalist and session musician
- Alto Fullbright: Competed in the 1950 Olympics for the men's hammer throw