Show ContentsFearneside History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Fearneside family

The surname Fearneside was first found in Lancashire where Nicholas del ffernyside was listed in rolls in 1324. A very rare name, The next entry found as much later in 1587 when Edward Fearnesyde was listed in Yorkshire. The name literally means "dweller on the ferny slope." [1]

Another source postulates the place is "adjacent to Fearnhead." [2]

Early History of the Fearneside family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fearneside research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1595 and 1615 are included under the topic Early Fearneside History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fearneside Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Fearneside were recorded, including Fearnside, Fernside, Fernsid, Fearneside, Ferneside, Fearnsyde, Fernsyde, Farnside, Farsyde, Fernfold, Fernefold, Fearnfold, Fernwold and many more.

Early Notables of the Fearneside family

More information is included under the topic Early Fearneside Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fearneside family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Fearneside family emigrate to North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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