Fretton Family History

From either Fritton (Suffolk), which is recorded as Fridetuna in 1086 and Freton in 1224, or Fritton (Norfolk), which is recorded as Frithetuna, Fridetuna, and Fredetuna in 1086 and Freton in 1199.

The place-names derive from Old English tūn, meaning ‘farmstead estate’, with an uncertain first element.

This first element is possibly Old English frið or friðu, which translates to ‘refuge, protection, safety’.

Alternatively, it could derive from the Old Scandinavian personal name Friði.

These variations and meanings highlight the rich linguistic history of the region.