Fursdon Family History

From one or more of three places in Devon whose names derive from Old English fyrs ‘furze’ + dūn ‘hill’. Fursdon in Staverton is recorded as Firsdon in 1384 and Fursdon in Cadbury is recorded as Fursdon in about 1200. The 1228 bearer cited below constitutes the earliest evidence for Fursdon in Bratton Clovelly. Some of the post-medieval bearers given here may belong to (2).

Perhaps also from one or more of four places in Devon whose names derive from Middle English fursen, the weak plural form of furs ‘furze’ (Old English fyrs). Furzedown in Malborough is recorded as Fursen in 1509–47. The 1318, 1330, and 1394 bearers cited below constitute the earliest evidence for Fursdon in Lustleigh, Fursdon in Holbeton, and Fursdon in Sherford respectively.

All four place-names have developed a medial -d-, and the surname(s) may well have done likewise.