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| Celtic Radio Community > Surnames & Heraldry > Fraser |
| Posted by: CelticRadio 18-Jul-2010, 08:57 PM |
| Background: The exact origins of the surname 'Fraser' can not be determined with any great certainty, although there is little doubt that it came from France. The first reputed record is that of "Frysel" (vowels were at the time often interchanged), recorded on the Battle Abbey Roll - supposedly a list of William the Conqueror's companions, preserved at Battle Abbey, on the site of his great victory over Harold. However, the authenticity of the manuscript is seriously doubted. The first definite record of the name in Scotland occurs in the mid-12th century as "de Fresel", "de Friselle", and "de Freseliere", and appears to be a Norman name. Although there is no known placename in France that corresponds with it, the French surname "Frézelière" or "de la Frézelière" or "Frézeau de la Frézelière", apparent in France to this day, corresponds with Scottish version in spelling and traditional area of origin - Anjou. Indeed, apparently while in exile in France Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat "entered into a formal league of amnity" and "declared an alliance" with the French Marquis de la Frézelière and claimed common origin from the "les seigneurs de la Frézelière". The first annual gathering of the Clan Fraser in Canada in 1894 also recalls this connection... Variations: Fraser, Bisset, Brewster, Cowie, Frew, Frissell, Frizell, Macgruer, Macimmey, MacKim, MacKimmie, MacShimes, MacSimon, MacSymon, MacTavish, Oliver, Sim, Sime, Simon, Simpson, Sims, Simson, Syme, Symon, Twaddle, Tweedie, Frazer, Frasher, Frisell, Frasee, Frazie, Frazier, Friselle, Fresser, Friser, Fryssar, Fressell, Fresal, Fresale, Frichelle, Fraysser, Fresall, Fresle, Fresill, Fressair, Fraisser. More Info: http://heraldry.celticradio.net/search.php?id=218 Discussion of this family is welcomed. |