Fotman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Fotman

What does the name Fotman mean?

The name Fotman is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a god of Anglo Saxon origin. The surname Fotman originally derived from the Old English word Odin, Fodin, or Voden. which referred to an ancient pagan god of the Saxons. Often nicknames described strong traits or attributes that people wished to emulate in a specific animal. In the pre-Christian era, many pagan gods and demigods were believed to be a mixture of animals and humans, such as the Greek god Pan who was the god of flocks and herds and was represented as a man with the legs, horns and ears of a goat.

Early Origins of the Fotman family

The surname Fotman was first found in Sussex where two early entries of the family were found: Thomas Foydn in 1296 and John Fodyn in 1327. Both were recorded in the Subsidy Rolls. 1

While these previous entries are the oldest, we must look to Cheshire as the stronghold for the family. Here they established Foden, now Foden Bank "in the township of Sutton, parish of Prestbury, Cheshire. This surname is well represented in Cheshire and Lancashire." 2

Early History of the Fotman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fotman research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1568, 1592 and 1613 are included under the topic Early Fotman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fotman Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Fotman have been found, including Foden, Fodon, Vodden, Voden and others.

Early Notables of the Fotman family

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

Migration of the Fotman family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Fotman, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Richard Foden who settled in Maryland in 1726.

Sources +

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