This rare and interesting surname is of Medieval English origin, and is a nickname or byname given to a boy of fair complexion or with blond hair, distinguishing him from others in the family. The derivation is from the Old English pre 7th Century 'faeger', fair with the suffix son. In the modern idiom the variants include Farson, Fearson, Forson, as well as Ferson. This surname is not recorded before the 14th Century (see below) and appears to be confined to London and Warwickshire records. The following examples illustrate the name development, Barnes Fearson married Agnis Harwick on May 25th 1584 at St. Botolph's, Bishopgate, Joan Ferson was christened on April 19th 1676 at St. Michael's, Coventry, Warwickshire, and Charlotte Ferson married Jacob Egidins on March 18th 1816 at St. Dunstan's, Stepney, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Fflayrson, which was dated 1327, Subsidy Rolls of Cambridgeshire, during the reign of King Edward 111, "The Father of the Navy", 1327 - 1377. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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