This is usually a locational name which derives from one of the several minor place names, particularly found in Yorkshire, Warwickshire and Wiltshire and which refer to stables or similar where horses were bred or trained. The name originates from the Olde English 'Fola' or the Norse-Viking 'Foli', both pre 8th Century, both nationalities being equally keen on horses. Just occasionally, the name may be a medieval nickname derived from the French 'Folie' and meaning, one who kept a place of entertainment - a Folly as in Thames de la Folie (1214 Norfolk). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard de la Folia, which was dated 1176, The Warwickshire Pipe Rolls, during the reign of King Henry II, The Builder 1154 - 1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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