Furlong (surname)
Furlong is an English-language surname, relatively common in the Republic of Ireland and in the United Kingdom. It originates from England and is classified as a local surname, derived from the Old English word furlang, meaning "furrow length" — a traditional measurement of distance equivalent to one-eighth of a mile. It likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in long fields or furrows. The name was brought to Ireland during the Norman invasion in the 12th century and became established particularly in County Wexford, where it remains relatively common. Variants of the name include Forlong, Furlonge, and others. Today, Furlong is found across Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities in North and South Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.[1][2]
People
Notable people with the surname include:
- Aaron Henry Furlong (born 1967), American jewellery designer
- Allan Furlong (1942–2025), Canadian politician
- Campbell Furlong (born 1974), New Zealand cricketer
- Cathy Furlong, American statistician
- Charles W. Furlong (1874–1967), American explorer
- Darnell Furlong (born 1995), English footballer
- Dennis Furlong (1945–2018), Canadian politician
- Edward Furlong (born 1977), American actor
- Grant Furlong (1886–1973), American politician
- Jim Furlong (1940–2026), Canadian football player
- John Furlong (American actor) (1933–2008), American actor
- John Furlong (Canadian) (born 1950), CEO of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
- Monica Furlong (1930–2003), British author, journalist and activist
- Nicholas Furlong (writer) (1929–2022), Irish journalist and historian
- Nicholas Furlong (musician) (born 1986), American singer, songwriter, and record producer
- Nicola Furlong, Canadian novelist
- Nicola Furlong, Irish murder victim in Japan
- Noel Furlong (1937–2021), Irish poker player
- Oscar Furlong (1927–2018), Argentine basketball player
- Paul Furlong (born 1968), English footballer
- Rob Furlong (born 1976), Canadian sniper who holds the record for the longest sniper kill in combat
- Tadhg Furlong (born 1992), Irish rugby player
Fictional characters
- Chance "T-Bone" Furlong, from Swat Kats
- Father Noel Furlong, from the sitcom Father Ted
See also
- Furlong Flynn (1901–1977), American football player and aviation pioneer
- Furlonge
References
- ^ "Furlong History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms". House of Names.
- ^ "Last name: Furlong". SurnameDB.