Fingland Family History
Fingland Surname Meaning
Primarily from Fingland in Wamphray (Dumfriess) but perhaps occasionally from other places similarly named such as Fingland in Tweedsmuir (Peebless), which is recorded as Fynglen in 1371. Fingland in Bowness (Cumb) is recorded as Finkeland, Finglaund in 1279, and Fingelan / Fyngelan in 1292, with other examples found in Kirkcudbright and Lanark.
The place-names probably all derive from Gaelic fionn ‘white’ + gleann ‘glen, deep valley’. This etymology suggests a common geographical feature associated with these locations.
Such naming conventions reflect the historical linguistic influences in Scotland, particularly the Gaelic language's impact on place-naming practices.
By tracing these names, we can gain insights into the cultural and historical landscape of the regions they represent.
Overall, the study of these names offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and the natural features that shaped local identity.
Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, 2016
