Fishburne

Fishburne is a surname of English origin. It is generally considered to be a toponymic name connected with places named Fishburn or Fishburne in England, and it may derive from elements that reference a fish-related feature and a stream or burn. The variant spelling Fishburne is used in some families, while the form Fishburn is also encountered. Over time, bearers of the name emigrated to other regions, including North America, where the surname appears in historical records from the colonial period onward.

Notable people with the surname include Laurence Fishburne (born 1961), an American actor, producer, and director. He is widely recognized for his work in film and television, including prominent roles such as Morpheus in the Matrix film series and Ike Turner in Whats Love Got to Do with It. Fishburne has also contributed to theater and television, earning acclaim for a range of performances across genres.

In addition to individuals, the name Fishburne may appear in genealogical or historical contexts related to English place-names and migration histories. While Laurence Fishburne is the most widely known bearer in contemporary popular culture, the surname itself reflects a broader linguistic and geographic heritage typical of English toponymic naming practices. See also Fishburn (disambiguation) for related forms and places.