The Fields Family History

What Does the Fields Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Fields has its origins in the Middle English term feldes, which is derived from the plural or possessive form of feld, signifying ‘open country.’ An alternative linguistic variant of the name can be found in the French language, where it appears as Deschamps or Duchamp. The surname may also manifest in a singular form as Field. Historically, many families bearing the surname Fields were engaged in agricultural activities during the 19th century. In the United States, the prevalence of the Fields surname is notably concentrated in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. In England, Fields families are primarily situated along the eastern coastline, particularly in the counties of Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. Noteworthy individuals associated with this surname include Fred Fields, an artist; Totie Fields, a renowned American comedian; Gracie Fields, a celebrated British actress and singer; Josh Fields, a professional baseball player for the Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners; W. Fields, a prominent actor and comedian; and Rich Fields, a television announcer.