Surname Faunt - Meaning and Origin

Faunt: What does the surname Faunt mean?

The surname Faunt is of English origin and is thought to be locational or topographical, derived from an old place in Leicestershire called "la Font". Over time, the name has undergone various changes due to dialect and regional accents and has resulted in different versions including Fawnt and Faunt. The term "la Font" translates to "the spring" or "the source" in Old French and was typically used to indicate a person who lived near a spring or a well. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Everard de Fontibus, which was dated 1195 in the Leicestershire Pipe Rolls. Like many surnames, Faunt carries a coat of arms signifying its noble or ancient lineage. The grant of arms associated with the Faunt surname includes a gold shield with a chevron between three elephants' heads, symbolizing great strength, wisdom, and longevity. Therefore, the last name Faunt reflects not just a connection to physical landscapes, but also carries significant symbolic and historical weight.

Faunt: Where does the name Faunt come from?

The surname Faunt is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century term "fon", a font, specifically a baptismal font. The term "fon" has the meaning of fountain, spring, or source. This surname could be either a topographical name for someone who lived near a spring or fountain, or a metonymic occupational name for someone who was in charge of the baptismal font in a church.

The surname Faunt first appeared in the county of Leicestershire, England where the family held a family seat from very ancient times. Variations of this surname include: Fount, Fante, Foint, and others.

Today, the Faunt surname is not very common. The presence of the Faunt families is largely noticed in England and Australia. It is found to some extent in the United States, but overall, it remains quite rare. As such, you will find fairly small pockets of Faunts scattered across the globe, tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon origins.

Variations of the surname Faunt

The surname Faunt has variants that mostly stem from the same geographical areas such as England. Some of these variants include Fount, Fonte, and Fante. Thanks to the spread of FNAT, you can also find the spelling as Vaunt. Other similar surnames related to it are Fant, Fent, and Fauntleroy.

The surname Faunt could possibly have originated from the Old French "fante", which means "child" or "infant". It is believed to have been used to denote someone who still behaved as a child or perhaps someone employed as a nurse or a foster parent. Alternatively, it might be a diminutive form of the personal name "Fauntleroy", which originates from Norman-French, composed of the elements "enfant" (child), with the diminutive suffix "-el", and "roi" (king); hence, "little boy king".

It is also believed to have been used as a surname for those living in a font, or spring. In this context, it may have geographical origins. Variations like Fonte can be common among Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese communities.

Remember, variation in spellings of the same surname was a common occurrence due to a lack of a standardized set of guidelines for spelling until quite recently in history.

Famous people with the name Faunt

• Jason Faunt: An American actor best known for his role as Wesley Collins in "Power Rangers Time Force." He also appeared in "Resident Evil 6" and "Battle Drone."
• Robert Faunt: He is a New Zealand cricketer who has played for Wellington. He made his debut in first-class matches in 1986.
• Jeff Faunt: Jeff Faunt is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL).
• Leslie Faunt: An Australian cricketer who played in 13 first-class matches for South Australia between 1933 and 1936.
• Thomas Faunt: An English Roman Catholic priest and scholar, who became involved in political intrigue, for which he was arrested, tortured, and executed.
• Brian Faunt: A former Australian rules footballer who played with Melbourne in the Victorian Football League (VFL). Please note that not all individuals mentioned are considered "famous" by typical standards, but they have achieved notability within their respective fields.

Other surnames

FaunceFauncher