Surname Fish - Meaning and Origin

Deciphering The Roots of The Surname Fish Through iGENEA's DNA Testing

My DNA test experience with iGENEA has introduced me to the sweeping, rich narrative attached to my surname, Fish, through its advanced genetic testing techniques. The sobering accuracy of the test has instilled confidence in the credibility of its findings, inspiring a deeper personal connection to my roots and fostering a renewed curiosity about my family's history.

U. Fish

Fish: What does the surname Fish mean?

The surname Fish is of English origin and derives from the Old English term "fisc", meaning fish. It was traditionally an occupational name given to a fisherman or a fishmonger – someone whose lifestyle or job was significantly associated with fish. It could also indicate someone who lived near a fishery. The name may have been a nickname initially representing a particular character trait attributed to a fish, such as grace or silence, that was prominent in the individual. In medieval times, the surname became hereditary, passed down to successive generations. The surname Fish is widespread across England and is particularly common in the southeastern regions. Like many surnames, the spelling of Fish has evolved over time, with different variations such as Fishe, Fiss, Fyshe or Fyscher appearing in historical records.

Fish: Where does the name Fish come from?

The surname Fish originates from England, where it was traditionally an occupational surname for a fisherman or a fishmonger. Origins of the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It comes from Old English word "Fisc", which means fish. Variant spellings of the name include Fishe, Fisch, and Fissher. The name's popularity spread from England throughout the British Isles and to the former colonies. Today, it is most commonly found in the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. Notably there are a significant number of people with the surname Fish in the U.S. states of New York, Massachusetts, and Utah. Overall, despite its relative rarity, the Fish surname has a global presence, spread through migration and diaspora.

Variations of the surname Fish

The surname "Fish" likely originated from the English occupation of a fisherman or fish seller, deriving from the Old English word "fisc". It could also possibly be a topographic name for someone who lived by a fish weir, which were fences or traps set in water to catch fish. Variations and spellings of this surname include: Fishe, Fissher, Fishers, Fishman, Fisch, Visch, Fischman, and Vishman.

The surname Fish may also be derived from a migration of the Fish family from any of several places named with this word in England and Scotland. In England, these include Fishley in Norfolk, Fishleigh in Devon, Fishlake in West Yorkshire, and Pyefinch in Kent; in Scotland, Fishcross in Clackmannanshire.

Some of the surname's forms could coincide with the German surname "Fisch" and Dutch "Visch" which both mean fish as well. As a Jewish surname, it may be an Americanized form of one or more like-sounding Jewish surnames.

Famous people with the name Fish

• Albert Fish: Infamous American serial killer.
• Hamilton Fish: Noted American politician who served as U.S. Secretary of State.
• Stuyvesant Fish: Prominent American financier and socialite.
• Hamilton Fish II and III: U.S. Representatives from New York, and both descendants of Hamilton Fish.
• Albert Fish Lowe: WWI war hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor.
• Michael Fish: British meteorologist and TV personality.
• Simon Fisher-Becker: British actor, known for his role in "Doctor Who".
• Fish Leong: Malaysian singer, whose real name is Jasmine Leong.
• Lauren Fish: Soccer player who played for FC Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League.
• Phil Fish: Noted Canadian game designer best known for developing the game Fez.
• Courtney Fish: Published Author and activist.
• Stanley Fish: Prominent American literary theorist.
• Joely Fisher: American actress, best known for her work on TV sitcom 'Ellen'.
• Tricia Leigh Fisher: American actress and singer, the sister of Joely Fisher.
• Carrie Fisher: Famous for her role as Princess Leia in "Star Wars", and daughter of actress Debbie Reynolds and singer Eddie Fisher.

Other surnames

FisbeinFischFischässFischäßFischbachFischbacherFischbauerFischbeinFischeFischelFischelsonFischenichFischerFischerbauerFischerederFischerkellerFischermannFischermannsFischermeierFischersFischertFischesFischesserFischlFischleFischleinFischlerFischliFischlinFischmann