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| Origins Available: |
| | England |
The ancestors of the Follis family lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Follis was a name given to a friend or comrade. The surname Follis originally derived from the Old English word Feolaza which affectionately meant "partner" or "shareholder." As a surname, it was likely taken on by a member of a trade guild.
"Besides its more proper meaning of ' companion,' the word Fellow is used in some dialects to signify a young unmarried man, or a servant engaged in husbandry. Chaucer uses the phrase 'a proper felawe' to denote a well-formed young man." 1
The surname Follis was first found in Huntingdon. However another branch of the family was later found at Shotesham in Norfolk. "Shotesham Park, the seat of Robert Fellowes, Esq., is a handsome mansion, erected by the late Mr. Fellowes, near the site of the ancient Hall, which was surrounded with a moat. " 2
Walter Felagh was one of the first records of the family. He was listed in the Assize Rolls of Northumberland in 1256. Robert le Felagh was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1327. 3 John Felagh was listed in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year's reign of Edward III.) 4
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Follis research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1820 and 1910 are included under the topic Early Follis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Follis has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Follis have been found, including Fellow, Fellows, Fellowes, Felloe and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Follis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the United States, the name Follis is the 13,064th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 5
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Folliss to arrive on North American shores: William Felloe who arrived in New England in 1635; William Fellow arrived in Barbados in 1678; William and Samuel Fellowes arrived in Boston Massachusetts in 1630.