Frey Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Frey come from? What does the surname Frey mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Frey and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Frey Origin: What does the last name Frey mean?
The surname Frey has its roots in Germany, originating from the Middle High German word "vri," meaning "free." It denoted a free man in the feudal system, distinguishing them from serfs or bondsmen. Variations of the surname include Freyr, Freyer, and Freyda, among others. The name first appeared in historical records in Turkey around the early 11th century and later gained prevalence in the United Kingdom and Switzerland from the 14th to the 16th century. By the 17th century, the surname saw a notable increase in the United States, spreading globally to countries like Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.
According to YourRoots data, the Frey surname has a widespread presence today, with records showing its prevalence in countries such as the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. The name has transcended borders and continues to be found in various regions globally, reflecting a rich history that dates back centuries. The Frey surname signifies a legacy of freedom and independence, with individuals bearing this name carrying on the heritage of their ancestors across different cultures and nations.
Frey Last Name History: Where did the last name Frey come from?
Origin of Frey Surname: Where does the last name Frey originate from?
Based on the data available in YourRoots, the surname Frey first appears in historical records from Turkey around the early 11th century. This denotes the earliest presence of the exact "Frey" spelling in YourRoots database, and does not encompass other possible sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Frey: What does the Frey surname history look like in the early days?
YourRoots data indicates that the “Frey” surname had strong ties with both the United Kingdom and Switzerland from the 14th to the 16th century. During this period, the surname started gaining prevalence, especially in Switzerland. This suggests an early expansion of the Frey family beyond its initial origins in Turkey.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Frey surname today?
By the 17th century, the frequency of records associated with the Frey surname increased notably in the United States, overtaking Switzerland. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Frey” surname is widely dispersed and can be found in several countries, including the United States, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Turkey, and other regions globally.
Explore Frey last name heritage and Frey surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME FREY
Famous People With Frey Surame?
Glenn Frey
Glenn Lewis Frey (Nov 6, 1948 – Jan 18, 2016) was an American musician known for being a founding member of the rock band Eagles. He co-lead the band with Don Henley, writing hits like "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California". Frey also had a successful solo career with songs like "The One You Love" and "The Heat Is On". With Eagles, he won six Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Frey's contributions to music continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans worldwide.
James Frey
James Christopher Frey (born Sep 12, 1969) is an American writer and businessman known for his bestselling books like "A Million Little Pieces" and "My Friend Leonard." He founded Full Fathom Five, a transmedia production company behind the popular young adult series "The Lorien Legacies." Frey also wrote "I Am Number Four," which was adapted into a feature film. Despite controversy surrounding the authenticity of his memoirs, Frey continued to release successful novels like "Bright Shiny Morning" and "The Final Testament of the Holy Bible." He has also ventured into film production and esports, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.
Leonard Frey
Leonard Frey (September 4, 1938 – August 24, 1988) was an American actor known for his role as Motel the tailor in the 1971 film Fiddler on the Roof, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Frey began his career on stage, receiving critical acclaim for his performance in The Boys in the Band. His television credits included appearances on popular shows like Barney Miller and Murder, She Wrote. Frey's final role was in the television movie Bride of Boogedy. He passed away at the age of 49 from complications of AIDS.
Aaron Frey
Aaron M. Frey (born c. 1978) is an American lawyer and politician who currently serves as the 58th Attorney General of Maine. He previously represented the Democratic party in the Maine House of Representatives. Frey attended Saint Anselm College and later obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University School of Law. As Attorney General, he has been involved in multi-state lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and the Trump administration. In 2023, Frey faced controversy after disclosing a romantic relationship with an employee under his supervision. Despite this, an independent workplace assessment found no fault in his handling of the situation. He was reelected in 2024.
Sébastien Frey
Sébastien Frey (March 18, 1980 - ) is a retired French professional footballer known for his impressive career as a goalkeeper in top European clubs. He started at Cannes before moving to Serie A giants like Inter Milan, Parma, and Fiorentina. Frey's talent earned him a spot in the France national team, where he represented his country at UEFA Euro 2008. Despite facing injuries, Frey's determination and skill on the field made him a respected figure in the football world.
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