Surname Spotlight: Fernham

Ancestors listed as Fernham are often found as Farnham a generation earlier.

At root, the name means “Fern homestead”. Fernham writes “e” in place of the “a” found in Farnham, a common scribal difference. Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists. You may also find the name written Farnam.

Fernham coat of arms

Heraldry is personal: arms associated with the Farnham surname were borne by specific families, and sharing the name does not mean sharing the blazon.

Research your Fernham family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.