Surname Fargo - Meaning and Origin

Fargo: What does the surname Fargo mean?

The surname Fargo is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have a locational derivation, indicating a family that originally lived in a place named Fargo or similar. Notably, surnames of this type were typically given to the lord of the manor or landowner, and to those who left their place of origin to live or work in another place, subsequently being identified by the name of their birthplace.

The exact meaning of Fargo is unknown as it doesn't seem to directly translate from Old English or any other Anglo-Saxon language. There are speculations that it could have originated from the term "fearr geoc," which means "mighty spear" in Old English, but this is unconfirmed.

The name Fargo gained prominence due to Fargo bank, co-founded by William Fargo in the U.S. in the 19th century, and the city of Fargo in North Dakota, named after him. Furthermore, the name has been made widely famous by the award-winning film and television series "Fargo."

It's worth noting that surname meanings can often be lost to history, and genealogical research may be necessary to determine the exact origin and meaning of individual instances of the surname.

Fargo: Where does the name Fargo come from?

The origin of the last name Fargo is obscure and debated, however, most interpretations trace it back to either a geographical location or an occupational description. Some sources suggest that Fargo stems from the old French words "Fer" and "Gier" which translate to "Iron" and "Spear" respectively. This suggests that the original bearers of Fargo may have been ironworkers. Another theory proposes that Fargo is derived from the old English word "Farrago," meaning a mix or assortment, possibly relating to a merchant who dealt with various commodities.

The familial name Fargo gained prominence mostly within the English-speaking world due to the American entrepreneur, William G. Fargo, co-founder of Wells Fargo and the American Express Company. He also served as the Mayor of Buffalo, New York.

Today, the name Fargo continues to be mostly prevalent in the United States, with the highest concentration in Minnesota, followed by New York and California. It is also found to a lesser extent in Canada, England, and Australia. The city of Fargo in North Dakota is perhaps the most known usage of the name in present day.

Variations of the surname Fargo

The surname Fargo is of English origin and is not very common. The most common variant spelling for the surname is "Fargoe." Other possible variants or corrupted forms of the surname could include "Farguh," "Farago", or "Fargh." However, these are less common and there is less proven historical use of these variants. There are also no notable surnames of the same origin or meaning as Fargo in the English language.

The families bearing the surname Fargo might likely trace their origins to the area around West Yorkshire in England. The name appears to be locational and could be connected to any place named with the Old English "fearh," meaning "pig," and "gara," a gore or triangular piece of land – a pigpen. Alternatively, it could stem from "Far-" possibily related to passage, travel or journey, and "-go" referring to an action or state.

The name Fargo has become notably associated with the Wells Fargo banking and financial services company and the Coen Brothers' film "Fargo" and its subsequent television series.

Famous people with the name Fargo

• William Fargo: Co-founder of the famous financial services company Wells Fargo. He was also a co-founder of the American Express Company and served as a mayor of Buffalo, New York.
• James Fargo: He was the brother of William Fargo and also served as the President of American Express Company.
• Donna Fargo: An American country singer-songwriter who is known for a series of Top 10 hits in the 1970s. Her best-known songs include "The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA" and "Funny Face," both of which topped the country music charts.
• Jodi Fargo: An American actress known for her roles in various movies and TV shows such as 'Fast Charlie... the Moonbeam Rider (1979),' 'B.J. and the Bear (1978)' and 'The Ted Knight Show (1978).'
• Jeffery Fargo: An American actor known for his works like 'Sins of Life', 'City Boy' and 'Greencard Warriors'.
• Kelsey Asbille 'Kelsey Chow' Fargo: An American actress, known for the series One Tree Hill and the movie Wind River but she is not primarily recognized by this name as she professionally goes by Kelsey Asbille.
• Jeri Fargo: An American actress, known for 'Everything Must Go (2010)' and 'Time Expired (1992).' It’s important to note that the last name Fargo is rare, and most individuals with the name are not considered famous by conventional standards.

Other surnames

FargeauFargus