Surname Farrar - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Origins of Farrar: Unraveling Ancestral Stories with iGENEA DNA Analysis

Unlocking the hidden stories within my genealogy, my journey using iGENEA's DNA analysis traced the intriguing history of my last name, Farrar. Encountering an ancestral world rooted in blacksmithing and ancient migration patterns, my understanding of my family’s past has been wonderfully expanded.

E. Farrar

Farrar: What does the surname Farrar mean?

The surname Farrar is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old French term "Ferreor," meaning "blacksmith" or "iron worker”. The name was originally occupational, meant for individuals who worked as blacksmiths. During the Middle Ages, blacksmiths were important figures, making everything from horseshoes to weapons, hence the prevalence of these occupational surnames. Names like Farrar became hereditary as they passed down through generations. The name has also been spelled in various ways including Farrar, Farrer, Farror, Farrough, Farrow and others.

Farrar: Where does the name Farrar come from?

The surname Farrar predominantly originated from England. It stems from an occupational name for a smith or a worker in iron, derived from the Old French term "ferrur" or "ferrier", themselves originating from the Latin "ferrarius". The name is linked to the Latin word "ferrum", which means "iron". This surname began to develop during the Middle Ages, a period when it became necessary to adopt a unique second name to reduce confusion between individuals with the same first name.

Although the Farrar surname has English origins, it has spread to various parts of the world due to migration and colonization. The name is relatively common today in the United States, England, and Australia. It may appear as both a first name and last name. However, certain variants of the name, such as Ferrar, Ferrer, and Ferror, also exist in different regions across the globe. Despite these different spellings, the surname continues to carry its original connotations relating to ironwork and metal craftsmanship.

Variations of the surname Farrar

The surname Farrar has a few variant spellings, often resulting from attempts to phonetically replicate its pronunciation. These include Farrer, Farrah, Farra, Pharar, Ferror, and Farrier.

In some cases, the surname's origins can also determine its different spellings. The Farrar surname is descended from the ancient Norman culture of France, and it came to England with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 as a professional name for a blacksmith or a person who shoed horses. The name is derived from the Old French word "ferrer," meaning "blacksmith," and it's also associated with the word "fer," meaning "iron," or "ferrum," meaning "horseshoe." Therefore, in areas where French influence was heavy, such as Normandy, the name might be spelled as Ferrer or Ferrier.

Ironically, the name Farrer or Farrar also appears in Yorkshire where Scandinavian influence was strong, and here it derives from the Old Norse name "frári," meaning "dangerous or daring." Hence, in Scandinavia, you might find names like Frari or Frair with the same root.

Ferraro and Ferrari, common Italian surnames which stand for the same occupation, can also be included as surnames sharing the same origin, although they belong to a different language and cultural area.

Famous people with the name Farrar

• Jay Farrar: American songwriter and musician, known for forming the rock band Son Volt.
• Geraldine Farrar: American soprano opera singer and film actress in the early 20th century.
• Terri Farrar: American actress known for her roles in TV series such as "Star Trek."
• Stewart Farrar: British writer on Wicca and occult topics.
• John Farrar: Australian music producer, songwriter. He's best known for his work with Olivia Newton-John.
• Julian Farrar: British physician and tropical medicine specialist.
• Suzanne Farrar: British journalist and producer. She worked as a foreign editor at Channel 4 News.
• Steve Farrar: American evangelist and writer known for his involvement in men's ministry.
• Frederick William Farrar: A cleric of the Church of England who wrote religious, theological, and moral subjects.
• Pratt Farrar: American baseball player.
• David Farrar: British actor who appeared in over 50 British films during the 20th century.
• Linda Farrar: British author and gardener, known for her work related to gardening in the Roman era.
• Farrar Straus Giroux: Renowned American book publishing company, not a person but significant due to its literary acclaim.

Other surnames

FarraherFarralFarrallFarrarsFarras