Recorded in the spellings of Foot and Foote, this is a famous surname, formerly recorded throughout England, but probably most associated in the 19th and 20th centuries with the West Country of England. It is believed to have pre 7th century Norse-Viking origins, to derive from the word "fotr", and to have been descriptive and possibly occupational for a fast runner or a messenger, one "fleet of foot". In the later medieval period, known for its "robust humour", the name may also have been at times a cruel nickname for a person with a deformed foot, but this was certainly not the original meaning.
Indeed had the "nickname" been the general meaning, it is difficult to see how it could have survived as a surname. What is clear is that the recordings of the name go as far back as written history permits, with examples such as Robert Fot in the Pipe Rolls of the county of Yorkshire in the year 11666, and Seild Fot in the Curia Regis rolls of Hampshire in 1212. The earliest known recording, and one which pre-dates most other surname recordings by at least two centuries, is that of Goduin Fot, in the 1086 Domesday Book for Kent and Cheshire. This man was a close follower of King William 1st, known as "The Conqueror", 1066 - 1087.
We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname foote, and in addition to the original locations of foote, we can find out where people with the surname foote can currently be found.
The mobility of people carrying the surname foote has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname foote 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.
Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname foote or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of foote.
A surname like foote 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.
We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname foote, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of foote, and at the same time, of surnames in general.