Ferreol of Rome

His name and relationships are conjectural. David Hughes, an unreliable source, says he was the son of Flavius Theodosiolus.

The given name Ferreolous might point to a connection with two 3rd century saints of that name, both of whom lived in what is now France.

1. St. Ferreolus, a priest, and his brother St. Ferrutio, a deacon, were born in Asia Minor. They were converted to Christianity by St. Polycarp of Smyrna. They went to Lyons, where they were ordained by St. Irenaeus. They evangelized the area around Besançon. They were beheaded in a perscution about 212. Their feast is June 16. [Michael Walsh, A New Dictionary of Saints: East and West (2007), 202.]
2. St. Ferreolus, a 3rd century martyr from Vienne. He is said to have been a Roman official and secret Christian. He was arrested for failing to apprehend Julian of Brioude, who had lived in his house. He refused to deny his faith, and was imprisoned. He escaped, but was caught after swimming the Rhône. He was beheaded on the spot. His feast is September 18. [Walsh, 202.]

The family might have come from Tarsus. A descendant was St. Tarsicia of Rodez. Her name means a resident of Tarsus. The possible connection to St. Polycarp is also suggestive.

Source: Justin Swanström (2006).