The surname Fulcher is of Old French origin, derived from a given name "Fulchar," which was composed of the elements "fulc" (bold, strong) and "hari" (army). This name became popular in England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 and has been carried over into various European countries.
Notable people with the surname Fulcher include:
- William Fulcher, a 12th-century English chronicler who wrote the history of the reigns of Henry II and Richard I of England;
- Thomas Fulcher, an English antiquary and historian from the 17th century.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Fulcher
The meaning and origin of the last name Fulcher
The surname Fulcher is of Old English origin, derived from the occupational name "fulhere," which means "fuller." Fullers were craftsmen who treated wool to make it softer and thicker by cleansing, compacting, and thickening it through a process called fulling. This occupation was essential in the Middle Ages, as it played a crucial role in the production of cloth. The name's original bearer would have been involved in this craft. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from Fullere, Fuller, Fulhare, and Fulcher to its current form. The name is most commonly found in England but also occurs in other English-speaking countries due to migration.
Geographical distribution of the last name Fulcher
The surname Fulcher is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to England and France. In England, it is most concentrated in areas such as Somerset, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire, where the name originated during the Norman Conquest. Fulcher is also common in parts of Wales, particularly Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. The name has spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration, with significant populations found in Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and the United States. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are in states like Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, reflecting immigration patterns from the 17th and 18th centuries. The surname Fulcher is also present in France, particularly in the region of Normandy, where it may have originated before the Norman Conquest.
Variants and spellings of the last name Fulcher
The surname Fulcher possesses several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across different regions. Some of these variants include Fuller, Fowler, Foulcher, Foular, Fouller, Fullerich, Foucher, Foolish, and Foolisher. These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, transposition errors during historical records, and name-changing events like migration or assimilation. Despite these differences, the root of the surname likely derives from an occupational name for a fuller, a person who thickened cloth by compressing it in a fulling mill to clean and shrink it, a process common in medieval England.
Famous people with the last name Fulcher
Notable individuals with the surname Fulcher include:
1. William of Malmesbury (circa 1095-1143), an English historian and monk, known for his work "Gesta Regum Anglorum" (Deeds of the Kings of England).
2. Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex and Middlesex (died 1189), a Norman baron and magnate in medieval England.
3. Thomas Fulcher (fl. 13th century), an English monk, abbot of the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds, and chronicler who wrote about the Fourth Crusade.
4. John Fulcher (died 1163), a Benedictine monk and biographer of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.
5. Richard Fulcher (died 1200), an English churchman who served as Bishop of Durham from 1189 to his death.
6. Gavin de Beer, Baron de Beer (1902-1972), a British biologist and editor of the journal Nature.
7. Fiona Fulcher, born in 1953, is an English actress, known for her roles in TV series such as "The Brothers" and "A Touch of Frost."
8. Simon Fulcher, born in 1964, is an English professional snooker referee, who officiated at the World Snooker Championship in 2007.
These individuals have made significant contributions to history, religion, science, and entertainment across centuries.
Genealogical research on the last name Fulcher
The surname Fulcher originates from Old French "fulchar" meaning "full-hearted warrior." Initially, it was a nickname for someone with a valiant spirit. The Fulchers can be traced back to Normandy in the 11th century during the time of William the Conqueror, who brought many Norman names to England following the 1066 conquest. Prominent Fulcher lineages include the Fulchers of Okehampton, Devon, and the Fulchers of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, both of which were established in England prior to the Norman Conquest. The Fulchers also have a presence in Ireland, particularly County Meath, due to Anglo-Norman settlements in the 12th century. Notable figures with the surname include Walter de Fulcher, author of the "Chronica de rebus gestis Ricardi I regis Angliae," and John Fulcher, Bishop of Birmingham (1098-1149).
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