Last Name Farrar

Learn more about the origin of the last name Farrar

The meaning and origin of the last name Farrar

The surname Farrar is of Old English origin, derived from the occupational name "Ferar" or "Ferrar," which referred to a smith or ironworker. The name likely evolved over time, with variations such as Farer and Farre, eventually settling into the modern spelling of Farrar in the 16th century. It is believed that the first recorded instances of the surname appeared in England during the Middle Ages, reflecting its Anglo-Saxon roots. Over subsequent centuries, the name spread throughout Britain and Ireland as well as to other English-speaking countries via migration waves. Today, Farrar remains a relatively uncommon yet distinct surname with a rich historical background and strong ties to the smithing trade of medieval England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Farrar

The surname Farrar has its roots primarily in Scotland and England. Historically, significant clusters of individuals bearing this name were found in regions such as Lancashire and Cumberland in Northwest England, and Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire in Southwest Scotland. As a result of migration waves throughout history, Farrars can also be found in high concentrations in Ireland, particularly in counties like Antrim and Down. In the United States, states with higher percentages of people named Farrar include North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia. The name has also spread to Australia, Canada, and New Zealand due to emigration from these British Isles. Today, it is a globally distributed surname, albeit with stronger concentrations in the aforementioned regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Farrar

The surname Farrar has several variants and spelling variations. These include Farar, Farer, Ferrar, Ferrer, and Farra. Some of these variations may arise from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. For example, the "r" in Farrar can sometimes be replaced with an "er," as seen in Farer or Ferrer. Similarly, an "a" can replace an "e" in some instances, leading to variants like Farra or Farer. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or data analysis involving the Farrar name.

Famous people with the last name Farrar

The Farrar surname has been associated with several notable figures in various fields. In the realm of science and mathematics, John Charles Farrar (1860-1929) was an American mathematician and geodesist who worked on the triangulation of the United States. In entertainment, Robert C. Farrar (1930-2013), known professionally as Bob Fosse, was a renowned American dancer, choreographer, director, and producer, best known for his work in musical theater, film, and television. Notably, he won eight Tony Awards and an Academy Award. In literature, the Farrar name is connected to Ann Farrar (1928-2005), an English novelist who wrote under the pen name Rachel Johnson. Her most notable work, "The Married Man," was a bestseller in the UK. Additionally, William J. Farrar (1913-1994) served as a United States Navy Rear Admiral and was decorated for his service during World War II and the Korean War.

Genealogical research on the last name Farrar

The surname Farrar originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Farrah, Farre, and Farey also found among families who bear this name. The most common theory about the origins of Farrar is that it is a locative name derived from a place where the original bearer resided, possibly from an Old English "fearhyr(e)o" (meaning "farmworker") or "færhárr" (meaning "ferryman"). The earliest records of the Farrar family can be traced back to the 13th century in England and Scotland. Some notable individuals bearing the surname Farrar include John Farrar, a 16th-century English composer, Sir James Farrer, an 18th-century British judge, and Robert Farrar Capon, an American Episcopalian priest and author. Today, the Farrar family can be found in various parts of the world, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Farrar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025