Origin of the surname Fryers

Recorded in several forms including Friar, Frear, Freer, Fryer and the patroymics Friars and Fryers, this is usually an English surname. It has several possible origins. However whatever the origin, the derivation in all cases is from the original Roman word 'frater' meaning brother, and used in a transferred sense for a monk or holy man. The first possible origin is that it was a medieval nickname for a pious person, somebody who looked or acted like a friar, or given the robust humour of the medieval period, the complete reverse! Secondly it could have been an occupational name for someone employed in a monastery, and again something of a nickname, since actual members of the church were forbidden to marry.

Thirdly it can be a short form of the Germanic name Frederick, also introduced into England and Scotland by the Normans after 1066. This name was composed of the elements 'frid', meaning peace and 'ric', power. The name Frederick was borne by a canonized 9th Century bishop, and was a hereditary name among the Hohenstaufen ruling family, hence its popularity in Central Europe. Amongst the early church recordings is that of Alexander Fryer who married Alice Holdon at the church of St Lawrence Pontney, in the city of London on November 21st 1548 in the reign of Edward V1 (1547 - 1554), whilst on July 14th 1583, Ann Fryers was christened at the famous church of St Dunstans in the East, Stepney. One of the earliest of American settlers was George Fryer (also recorded as Frier), and registered as 'belonging to the Corporation of James Citty, Maine' on January 30th 1624. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert le Frere. This was dated 1196 in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, during the reign of King Richard 1st, known as 'The Lionheart', 1189-1199. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Fryers. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname fryers, and in addition to the original locations of fryers, we can find out where people with the surname fryers can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of fryers.

The surname Fryers around the world

The mobility of people carrying the surname fryers has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Fryers

The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname fryers are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname fryers.

Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname fryers or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of fryers.

Notable Figures Named Fryers

A surname like fryers can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname fryers, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Fryers and its bibliographic sources

We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname fryers, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of fryers.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of fryers, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Fryers