Follite History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England
• Ireland

Etymology of Follite

The Follite surname comes from the Old French word "fol," meaning "mad," or "stupid." This in turn comes from the Latin word "follis" which formerly referred to anything filled with air, but which later took on metaphorical connotation of vanity. As a surname, it was most likely a nickname for a free-spirited or eccentric person, which was later adopted as a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Follite family

Early History of the Follite family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Follite research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1147, 1158 and 1599 are included under the topic Early Follite History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Follite Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Follite have been found, including Folet, Follet, Follett and others.

Early Notables of the Follite family

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

Migration of the Follite family to Ireland

Some of the Follite family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 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 Follite family

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Follite were among those contributors: William Follet, who came to New Hampshire in 1651; Ed Follett, who arrived in Virginia in 1665; Henry Follett, a servant sent to Virginia in 1667; Abell Follett, who settled in Maryland in 1660.