| ![Show Contents]() Phar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of PharWhat does the name Phar mean? The ancient history of the name Phar dates back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a nickname given to a person who was described as being fierce or lusty. Alternatively, the surname is derived from the Old English word "farr," which meant "bull." 1 Finally the name could have originated in Scotland at Farr (meaning passage), in Sutherland. 2 3 Early Origins of the Phar familyThe surname Phar was first found in Yorkshire. While most researchers believe that the name is Anglo-Saxon in origin, we must not dismiss the possible Norman origin. For example, Radulphus Fere of Nomandy was listed there in 1180 and 1195 and the Hundredorum Rolls (Rotuli Hundredorum) c. 1272 list Walter Fere of England. 4 Early History of the Phar familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Phar research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1381, 1400, 1741, 1765, 1767, 1780, 1795, 1807, 1883 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Phar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Phar Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Phar has been spelled many different ways, including Farr, Farre and others. Early Notables of the Phar familySamuel Farr (1741-1795), English physician, born at Taunton, Somersetshire, in 1741. His parents were Protestant dissenters. He was educated first at the Warrington Academy, then at Edinburgh, and finally at Leyden University, where he took the degree of M.D. (1765). He was a physician to the Bristol Infirmary from 1767 to 1780, and practised for...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Phar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Phar family to IrelandSome of the Phar family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Phar familyThousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Phars to arrive in North America: Barnabas Farr who settled in New England in 1620; Edward Farr settled in St. Christopher in 1635; Elias Farr settled in West New Jersey in 1664; Mary Farr settled in Virginia in 1650.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
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