Frye Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Frye come from? What does the surname Frye mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Frye and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Frye Origin: What does the last name Frye mean?
The surname Frye has its origins in England, with the first records dating back to the early 14th century. Derived from Old English, the name Frye has been associated with various individuals, including notable figures like Channing Frye, George Frederick Frye, and Soleil Moon Frye. Over the centuries, the Frye surname has spread globally, with significant concentrations in the United States. By the 20th century, the presence of Frye individuals in the US had notably increased, showcasing the surname's prominence in American society.
YourRoots data further validates the historical presence of the Frye surname, indicating a widespread distribution across different countries. From England to the United States and beyond, the Frye name has maintained a strong legacy. Today, individuals with the Frye surname can be found in various nations worldwide, reflecting the enduring nature of this familial identifier and its historical significance.
Frye Last Name History: Where did the last name Frye come from?
Origin of Frye Surname: Where does the last name Frye originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Frye first appeared in records from England around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Frye spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Frye: What does the Frye surname history look like in the early days?
The Frye surname remained closely associated with England from the 14th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Frye family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Frye surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Frye surname grew significantly in the United States. The Frye surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including those not specifically mentioned.
Explore Frye last name heritage and Frye surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Frye Surame?
Don Frye
Donald "Don" Frye (November 23, 1965 - ) is an American former mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and actor. Frye was one of the sport's earliest well-rounded fighters, winning the UFC 8 and David vs. Goliath 96 tournaments. He also had success in professional wrestling with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Pride Fighting Championships, adopting an American patriot persona after the September 11 attacks. Frye was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2016. Outside of combat sports, he has worked as an emergency medical technician and firefighter, showcasing his diverse skill set both inside and outside the ring.
Soleil Moon Frye
Soleil Moon Frye (Aug 6, 1976 - ) is an American actress, director, producer, and screenwriter known for her role as Penelope "Punky" Brewster in the NBC sitcom Punky Brewster. Starting her career as a child actress at age two, Frye became a beloved figure among young audiences. She continued her acting journey in various TV shows and films, including a role in The WB sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Frye is also recognized for her work as a voice actor in the Proud Family franchise. Beyond acting, she is a published author, entrepreneur, and advocate for eco-friendly practices in child rearing.
Channing Frye
Channing Thomas Frye (May 17, 1983) is a retired American professional basketball player known for his time with the NBA. Playing as a power forward-center, Frye was selected eighth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2005 NBA draft, becoming the first college senior chosen that year. Throughout his career, he played for notable teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Frye clinched an NBA Championship with the Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Finals. His impressive college career with the Arizona Wildcats and his contributions to the NBA have solidified his legacy in basketball history.
Northrop Frye
Herman Northrop Frye (July 14, 1912 – January 23, 1991) was a Canadian literary critic and theorist known for his influential works in the 20th century. His book "Fearful Symmetry" reinterpreted the poetry of William Blake, and his "Anatomy of Criticism" is considered a landmark in literary theory. Frye's contributions to cultural and social criticism earned him international acclaim, with scholars like Harold Bloom recognizing him as a leading authority on Western literature. Despite facing surveillance for his activism, Frye's impact on literary criticism remains enduring, inspiring generations of writers and thinkers.
Virgil Frye
Virgil Charles Frye (August 21, 1930 – May 7, 2012) was an American actor and former Golden Gloves boxing champion known for his roles in various films such as "Revenge of the Ninja" and "The Burning Bed." He was also the father of actors Sean Frye from "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" and Soleil Moon Frye from "Punky Brewster." Frye's life and battle with Pick's Disease were documented in a film by his daughter, Soleil Moon Frye, titled "Sonny Boy." His legacy in the entertainment industry continues to be remembered by fans and fellow actors alike.
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