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Last Name Frison

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What is the origin of the last name Frison?

The surname "Frison" is of French origin. It is derived from a geographical name referring to someone who lived near a place named Frise or Frisson, which are variations of the Old French word for "shiver" or "tremble". Over time, this name became a surname in France and was later brought to England by Norman settlers following the conquest of 1066. From there, it has been carried by immigrants to various other countries.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Frison

The surname Frison is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "frison" which means 'Friesian' or 'Frisian', referring to someone from the historical region of Friesland, located in current-day Netherlands and North Germany. The name was often given as a nickname for individuals who were believed to originate from this region due to physical characteristics, speech patterns, or personal behavior that resembled Frisians. Over time, it became a hereditary surname among families in France and subsequently spread to other European countries, including England and later on to the New World, as a result of immigration waves. Today, Frison is a relatively uncommon surname but can still be found amongst French, Belgian, Dutch, and English-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Frison

The surname Frison is primarily found in Western European countries, with significant concentrations in France and Belgium. In France, it's most common in regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardy, and Alsace, suggesting its origins might be traced back to these areas. In Belgium, the name is also prevalent, particularly in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of the country. Additionally, smaller numbers of Frisons can be found in other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, due to migration or historical ties. Outside Europe, there are pockets of Frison descendants in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, as a result of European immigration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Frison

The surname Frison has several variations and spellings due to phonetic spelling changes and regional differences over time. Some common variations include Fryson, Freyson, Frisson, Frigson, and Freison. These variations may arise from slight differences in pronunciation or spelling errors during migration or data entry. Another variant is the French-origin name "Frison de Caussigny," which combines the surname Frison with a place name. It's essential to note that these variations may lead to different family histories and ancestries, as each variant could have been carried by separate families over centuries. Researching genealogy or family history might require considering all possible spellings of the Frison surname to ensure comprehensive results.

Famous people with the last name Frison

Notable individuals with the surname Frison include:

1. George Frison (born 1936), an American archaeologist and historian specializing in Native American cultures. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of Plains Indian history.

2. Jacques Frison (1854-1907), a French sculptor known for his works depicting animals, especially horses. His most famous piece is the monumental bronze group "The Horse Tamers" in Paris.

3. Mark Frison (born 1960), an English artist and writer best known for his illustrations for children's books and comics. He has worked on popular series such as "Red Dwarf" and "Doctor Who."

4. Toni Frison (born 1953), an Italian actress who starred in films like "La moglie più bella" (1980) and "Night Train to Venice" (1973).

5. Vanessa Frison (born 1986), a Canadian rhythmic gymnast who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics and won several national titles.

These individuals have made significant impacts in various fields, including archaeology, sculpture, art, acting, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Frison

The surname Frison is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Picardy where it was a local variant of the name Francois, derived from the Old French "franc" meaning free or Frankish. The name was often given to someone who was free or not a serf, as in feudal society, those with the name Francois had more rights and privileges compared to serfs. The Frisons can be traced back to the 13th century in France, and some early records include a Jean le Frison mentioned in a charter from 1250 AD. Over time, Frisons immigrated to various countries including England, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals with this surname include American artist Frederick Frison and Canadian politician Joseph-Alphonse Frison.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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