Surname Furbey - Meaning and Origin

Furbey: What does the surname Furbey mean?

The surname Furbey is of Old French origin. It's derived from the Old French term "fourbe," which means 'trickster' or 'cheat.' The name was initially given as a nickname to someone known for being crafty or deceitive. Like many surnames, over time it got passed down through families and started functioning as a surname. Nickname surnames were common during the Middle Ages when people often called each other by descriptors related to personal characteristics or habits. It's important to note that the negative connotations associated with these original nickname meanings generally no longer apply to the people who bear these surnames today. There are various spellings of the name including Furbey, Forby, Furby, and more, and those bearing this surname can be found in records dating back to the 13th century in England and France. Over time, these individuals and their descendants have dispersed, and the surname can now be found in various parts of the world.

Furbey: Where does the name Furbey come from?

The surname Furbey seems to be of English origin. It’s a unique and relatively rare surname that is not commonly seen in large populations. The derivation of this name might meet a topographic name for someone who lived near a furze-covered area. Furze is a type of shrub commonly found in the UK also known as gorse, an evergreen shrub with spiky leaves and bright yellow flowers.

Due to immigration and population movement, surnames like Furbey can be found in nations visited or colonized by the British Empire, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries. However, the largest concentration of individuals with the surname Furbey is still likely to be found in England.

The creation and distribution of surnames have historically been tied to cultural, regional, and occupational distinctions, making them reliable indicators of an individual’s ancestry. However, genealogy would be needed for any specific conclusions about the ancestry tied to the surname Furbey.

Variations of the surname Furbey

The surname Furbey seems to be obscure and not widely spread. Throughout history, the spelling of surnames had often changed due to phonetic shifts and language transformations. Although the exact origin of the surname is uncertain, it might have some relations or origins with the surname “Forby/Forbey/Forbeyre", which was originated in Cambridgeshire, England in the medieval period. Another variant that could potentially be related is the surname "Furby".

It's also worth noticing that surnames can often be related to occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. Depending on its original language, the name Furbey might have undergone significant changes taking different forms.

Moreover, spelling variations can be a common issue, especially in census records and handwritten documents. Therefore, while researching such surnames, it would be appropriate to consider these potential spelling variants and transcriptions errors.

Due to the scarcity of information related to the surname Furbey, it would be recommended to delve into different branches of genealogical studies for a more comprehensive understanding. The surnames listed above should be considered possible links rather than direct variants. Further research could unravel more related surnames or variants.

Famous people with the name Furbey

• Emma Furbey: British actress best known for her role as Bridget in the British sitcom Outnumbered (2007-2014).
• Dan Furbey: British Air Force Officer and MBE recipient, thought to have been the first British officer to parachute into enemy territory during World War II.
• David Furbey: British actor and screenwriter, best known for playing Dr. Tom Halverson in the British television drama Casualty (1999-2006).
• Joe Furbey: Former Australian rules footballer who played in the Collingwood Football Club in the Victorian Football League during the mid-1990s.
• John Furbey: Former English cricketer who played for Derbyshire County Cricket Club from 1958-1963.
• Kaitlin Furbey: British singer and songwriter, best known for her work in the band Oh. Honey.
• Richard Furbey: British disc jockey and radio personality, best known for his appearances on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra, and BBC Radio 6 Music.
• Robert Furbey: British actor known for his television portrayal of PC Luke Ashton on the BBC One crime drama series The Bill (punished 1998-2008).
• Rosalind Furbey: English actress and comedienne, best known for her appearances in the BBC comedy series Absolutely Fabulous.
• Rupert Furbey: British actor known for his role on ITV's soap opera, Emmerdale (2001-2004).

Other surnames

Furbee