English, French, and Catalan: nickname from Old French, Middle
English, Catalan fort, ‘strong’, ‘brave’ (Latin
fortis). In some cases it may be from the Latin personal name
derived from this word; this was borne by an obscure saint whose cult
was popular during the Middle Ages in southern and southwestern
France.
English and French: topographic name for
someone who lived near a fortress or stronghold, or an occupational
name for someone employed in one. Compare Fortier 1.
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