Where does the tradition of spelling the surname "ffoulkes" with two small f's derive?

Question

Where's does the tradition of spelling the surname "ffoulkes" with two small f's derive?

I've had people insist on this spelling -- "ffoulkes" -- and in fact grow angry when it's spelled "Ffoulkes." Where does his tradition come from? Why is it important?

Answer 1

I can't guarantee.. but would wager that the issue stems from an old handwritten document of some sort, where the old script used this.  If that was how it showed up on the document, then perhaps someone is convinced this is "correct".

In fact.. old spellings or style that something appears.. is not usually relevant whatsoever.  Two or three hundred years ago, the majority of persons didn't even read, much less write..and what shows up in records is normally the style of the clerk or priest/minister, etc who hand wrote the document.

http://genealogy.about.com/od/paleograph...

you may find more info here..

Answer 2

Here's one explanation from someone who has actually researched the family. I'll bet if you contact him, he may be an excellent resource for you.

http://genforum.genealogy.com/foulkes/me...