The Faire surname is derived from the Middle English word "fair," or "fayr," from the Old English "fæger;" meaning "handsome," "beautiful," or "fair." As such, the name is generally considered to have originally been a nickname, although it was in occasional use as a personal name for both men and women.
The surname Faire was first found in Cumberland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Faire research. Another 148 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1234, 1333, 1446, 1619, 1682, 1612 and 1648 are included under the topic Early Faire History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Fair, Faire, Faires, Fayer, Fayers, Fairs, Fare, Phair, Phaire, Phayre, Phares and many more.
Notable amongst the family at this time was Robert Phayre or Phaire (1619-1682), regicide, possibly a son of Emmanuel Phaire, who in 1612 became rector of Kilshannig, co. Cork. In February...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Faire Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.