How common is the Fairfax surname?

There are approximately 15,000 people with the surname Fairfax in the United States.

Are there Fairfax soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 99 soldiers with the Fairfax surname appear in Civil War records.

Fairfax

Q: What does the surname Fairfax mean?

The surname Fairfax means "From a place name meaning 'fair-haired one's settlement' or 'fair-haired Saxon.'". It is of English origin.

Topographic

Meaning

From a place name meaning 'fair-haired one's settlement' or 'fair-haired Saxon.'

Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'fægr' (fair) and 'feax' (hair), combined with the Saxon settlement suffix. The name originally referred to a place inhabited by or named after a fair-haired person.

About the Fairfax Surname

An English topographic surname derived from a place name referring to a settlement of fair-haired people. The name is associated with English nobility and military history.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 15,000 bearers in the United States #908 most common surname

Rare Common

Found primarily in England, particularly in Yorkshire and surrounding regions.

Fairfax Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Fairfax Surname

Lord Fairfax

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: 12th century
Estimated Bearers: 15,000

War Records

99 soldiers with the Fairfax surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →