Surname Furr - Meaning and Origin
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F. Furr
read moreFurr: What does the surname Furr mean?
The last name Furr is of German origin, predominantly found in areas of Pennsylvania. It is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "vurre," literally translating to "fur." The surname was used as a metonymic occupational name for a dealer in furs or a furrier. This means that those who initially bore the last name Furr are likely to have been associated with the fur industry in some way, either through trading or processing. It's worth noting that spelling variations of the surname Furr may include Furrer, Fuerer, and Foerrer among others due to regional dialects and the evolution of language over time. Today, individuals with the Furr surname can be found worldwide, although it remains more common in Germany and the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisFurr: Where does the name Furr come from?
The surname Furr is of English and German origin. In England, it evolved from the Old English word "fure," meaning a “watchtower” or “lookout point.” Some suggest that people who lived near a watchtower or who worked there possibly took on this surname. In Germany, it may have derived from the Middle High German word "vurre," meaning "fur," and was likely used as a nickname or an occupational name for a furrier.
Today, the name Furr predominantly exists in the United States. According to the 2014 Census, there were approximately 13,000 people with the surname Furr in the United States, making it the 2,583rd most common surname in the country. Other countries that host this name, though to a lesser extent, include Canada, England, and Australia. Increased movements and migrations over time have dispersed the name to various parts of the world. However, it is important to note that the concentration of the name may not necessarily signal that it originated from these countries but rather shows where the bearers have currently established their homes.
Variations of the surname Furr
The surname Furr is of English origin and has been derived from the Middle English or Old French term 'furre', meaning fur. It was likely bestowed as an occupational name for a dealer in furs and skin.
There are several different variants, spellings, and related surnames for Furr. Some of the common alternate spellings include Fur, Furh, Fuhr, and Fuhre, reflecting regional dialects and pronunciation. It may also appear as Phurr or Pfurr in some cases, specifically in regions where Germanic languages influenced the spelling.
In addition, Furr might also be related to the surnames Farr, Farrer, Furrier, Ferrer, and Ferrier, as they might have originated from the same root or have similar occupational origins.
However, it's important to note that variations of the name may also exist due to immigration and anglicization. In these cases, Furr could be an Americanized version of a different European name entirely, causing some of these variants to actually be distinct families unrelated to the English Furr lineage. For instance, the Swedish surname Furr could be a variant of Fur or an anglicization of Furre.
Furthermore, patronymic versions of Furr may also exist, denoting descendants of an original bearer of the name. Examples of these versions might include Furrsen, Fursson, or Furrson.
Famous people with the name Furr
- Ryan Furr: An American football offensive lineman who has played for Clemson University's football team, the Clemson Tigers.
- Nikki Furr: An actress known for her work in films like "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Young and the Restless".
- Austin F. Furr: An educational psychologist recognized for his work in the field of school psychology.
- Howard Furr-Barton: A well-known playwright, whose works have been performed in various parts of the world.
- Lebarron Furr: an American football player who has played as a linebacker at the collegiate level.
- Brenda Furr: A gospel singer and musician known for her inspirational spiritual music.
- Clint Furr: A prominent businessman in the United States. Please note that while these individuals may have achieved recognition within their respective fields, they do not necessarily have the widespread name recognition that some celebrities or public figures might have.