Featherstonhaugh, also spelt Fetherstonhaugh and Featherstonehaugh, is an old English surname that was originally Fetherston.
The name comes from Featherstone Castle in Northumberland, from the Old English feðere, 'feather', stān, 'stone', and healh, 'corner'.
[1] The name is usually pronounced as spelt[2][3] though commonly shortened to Fetherston.
[4] The popularly known pronunciation of FAN-shaw (/ˈfænʃɔː/) originated with Irish holders of the name.
Other pronunciations include FEE-stun-hay or FEE-ster-hay.