Last Name Folwell

The surname Folwell is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "fugol," meaning bird, and "well," meaning spring or stream. It is believed to have originally been a topographic name for someone who lived near a spring frequented by birds.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Folwell

The surname Folwell is of English origin and is locational, derived from the Old English words "fugol" meaning "bird" and "weald" meaning "forest." It is believed to have originally been used to describe someone who lived near a bird-filled forest or woodlands. The surname may also have denoted someone who worked as a bird-catcher or who had a connection to birds in some way. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have evolved, resulting in variations such as Foulwell and Fulwell. Today, the surname Folwell is relatively rare and can be found mainly in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Folwell

The last name Folwell is primarily found in the United States, with the highest concentrations in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. There are also significant numbers of individuals with this surname in the United Kingdom, particularly in the regions of England and Wales. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Folwell in Canada and Australia. This surname is less common in other regions of the world, with minimal presence in countries outside of the English-speaking world. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Folwell is concentrated in English-speaking countries, with the majority of individuals residing in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Folwell

The last name Folwell can be spelled in various ways including Follwell, Folewell, Foulwell, Foelwell and Fulwell. These are common variations of the surname Folwell, each reflecting differences in pronunciation or regional dialect. The spelling of surnames can often be subject to change over time due to factors such as phonetic spelling, immigration, or personal preference. While the core sound of the name remains consistent, the specific letters used may vary depending on individual or familial factors. Overall, the variations of the last name Folwell demonstrate the flexibility and evolution of language in capturing and representing familial identities.

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Genealogical research on the last name Folwell

The last name Folwell is of English origin and has been found primarily in the county of Yorkshire. The name is believed to be locational, deriving from the Old English words "fol", meaning people, and "wella", meaning spring. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 16th century in Yorkshire, where the Folwells were prominent landowners. Over the centuries, the name has spread throughout England, with notable branches of the family residing in Lancashire and London. The Folwell family has been traced through parish records, census data, and wills, revealing a long line of farmers, merchants, and professionals. Today, individuals bearing the surname Folwell can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies.

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