The surname Fee is of English origin and derives from several possible sources. It could originate as a topographic name for someone who lived near a 'fee', an enclosure or a piece of pasture land that was subject to certain fees or dues, or it could be a metonymic occupational name for a servant or attendant at such a fee. Alternatively, it might also be a nickname for a merry, lively, or high-spirited person, from Old Norse 'fe' meaning 'happy'. Another possible origin suggests that Fee is a diminutive form of the medieval female personal name Felice, which was derived from Latin 'felix', meaning 'fortunate' or 'happy'.
The surname Fee is an English and Scottish name of Norman origin. It is derived from a nickname for someone who was thought to be a greedy or covetous person, from the Old French "feu" meaning fire or the Old Norse "fyrir" meaning before, as one might have been known for wanting to seize something 'before' others. Over time, it has taken on various spellings such as Fee, Fea, and Fei, reflecting its origins in both French and Scandinavian languages. In the English-speaking world, it is most commonly found today in regions where there was a strong Norman influence, particularly southern England.
The last name Fee is predominantly found in several countries with English-speaking populations due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In England, it is most common in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the West Midlands. A significant number of individuals bearing this surname can also be found in Ireland, particularly in counties with historical connections to England like Ulster and Leinster. The distribution extends to countries that were once British colonies or settlements, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In America, it is most common in the Southeastern states and along the East Coast. While the name is less frequent in other parts of the world, it can still be found among English-speaking communities in countries like Scotland, Wales, and some Caribbean islands.
The surname Fee has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across regions. Some common variations include Fea, Fei, Feee, Feo, and Fey. These variations may have arisen from misspellings, phonetic transcriptions, or changes in pronunciation over the years. Another variant is Fay, which may be a result of a more French-influenced spelling. Additionally, there are regional differences such as Fea being common in Scotland, while Fay is more prevalent in Ireland. The name Fee is of Old English origin, derived from the word "feoh," meaning cattle or property. It was originally used as a first name, but over time it evolved into a surname.
The Fee family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of music, Rickie Lee Jones, an American singer-songwriter known for her jazz-infused pop music, was born with the surname Fee. She gained fame in the 1970s and 80s with hits like "Chuck E's in Love" and "We Belong Together." In sports, Mark Feehily is a well-known figure as one of the founding members and lead vocalists of the Irish boy band Westlife. On the academic front, Sir John Fee is an eminent British mathematician who made significant contributions to harmonic analysis. Lastly, in the world of literature, L. M. Montgomery, born Lucy Maud Montgomery, penned the beloved Anne of Green Gables series under the pseudonym L.M. Montgomery-Fee (using her married name), though she was not originally a Fee by birth.
The surname Fee originates from Old French "feu" meaning 'fire', and was originally given as an occupational name for a hearth tender or stoker of furnaces, or a topographical name for someone who lived near such a fire. In the British Isles, it has been primarily found in England, particularly in Yorkshire, and Scotland, where the name was introduced by Norman settlers following the conquest of 1066. Notable bearers of the name include John Fee (died 1415), a notable English landowner, and Sir George Fee, 2nd Baronet (1787-1853), an Anglo-Irish politician. The name has also been found in North America since the 17th century, with many early settlers arriving in Virginia. Variations of the surname include Fy and Fye.
Chargement de la carte...
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > feehan
The surname Feehan is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Fathaigh, which means "descendant of Fathach." The name Fathach is derived from the Irish word...
surnames > feeku
The last name Feeku is of African origin. It is commonly found in Ghana and is believed to be of Akan descent.
surnames > feeley
The surname Feeley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic O Foghladha, meaning "descendant of Foghlaidh." The name was anglicized to various forms including Feely, Feeley, and...
surnames > feerazz
The surname "Feerazz" does not have a widely known origin. It may be a variant of a more common surname or have a unique origin specific to an individual or family.
surnames > feeroz-ahmed
The last name "Ahmed" is of Arabic origin, meaning "highly praised" or "one who constantly thanks God." It is a common name among Muslims, particularly in the Middle East and South...
surnames > f-z
The last name "FZ" is of Chinese origin. It is a common surname found among Chinese families.
surnames > feezy
The last name "Feezy" does not have a specific origin or meaning. It is not found in historical records or genealogical databases.