Surname Fawl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fawl: What does the surname Fawl mean?
The last name Fawl is of German origin, derived from the German name “Falsch” which translates to “dishonest” or “falsifying”. Historically, this surname was originated by a German “professional” liar.
During the medieval period, people often used nicknames to describe one another. The name Falsch (Fawl) would have been given to someone known for their habit of stretching truths or for fabricating stories when it suited their interests. It's possible that the original bearer of the name was a businessman who bargained or negotiated unfairly with others.
Today, people with the surname Fawl may or may not have a dishonorable reputation. Most likely they had a distant ancestor or two who were of low moral character. The name itself could also have been changed over time. Many families modified their surnames as they moved from country to country throughout Europe in search of a better life.
Despite its origins, the name Fawl is no longer attached to a negative connotation. It is now just a surname of German origin that is more likely to invoke curiosity than dishonesty.
Order DNA origin analysisFawl: Where does the name Fawl come from?
The last name Fawl is generally found in the southern United States, particularly in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. The name may also be occasionally encountered in other states, such as Texas and Georgia. Its origins are believed to be French-Canadian, likely derived from “foules,” a French word that means “of the gentry.”
Historically, the name Fawl has been most prevalent amongst individuals who trace their ancestry back to Germany, Switzerland, and France. In recent years, however, people from all over the world have adopted the name Fawl, making it more common in various countries.
In the United States, the surname Fawl is relatively uncommon, though at least 80 people in the country are known to carry the name, many of whom live in the aforementioned southern states. Despite its rarity in the United States, the name Fawl can be found in many other countries, such as Canada, New Zealand, and even Australia.
Fawl is also part of several variations of the surname, which includes the spellings Faul, Faull, and Fawell. Despite having a multitude of spelling variations, all of these surnames are said to be connected to the original French word. In some cases, the spelling differences are due to the migration and assimilation of the individuals’ families to other countries.
In conclusion, the last name Fawl is relatively uncommon in the United States, although it is more widespread in other countries. The name is believed to be of French-Canadian origin, and may have various spelling variations, including Faul, Faull, and Fawell.
Variations of the surname Fawl
The surname Fawl is also spelled as Fahl, Faul, Fall, Faal, and Farrell. It is believed to have originated from Germany and Derbyshire, England.
Fahl is a variant of the surname Fawl and it is possibly derived from the Low German word ‘fahle’, which means ‘sickly’ or ‘frail’, and as a habitational name, it is derived from a place called Fahl in the Holzminden district of Germany. It is also derived from the Middle High German ‘fahl’ meaning ‘wasted, pallid’.
The origin of the surname Faul is uncertain. It could be derived from the Dutch word ‘Val’ meaning ‘wood’ or the Middle High German words ‘vau’ or ‘vah’ meaning ‘a dwelling place’. It is also possible that this variant is an alteration of the German surname 'Vogel', which is derived from the Middle High German ‘vögel’ meaning ‘bird’.
The derivation of the surname Fall is not known. It could be derived from a seemingly Middle English personal name ‘Falco’, from the Old French ‘falcun’ meaning ‘falcon’, or from an occupational name derived from the Old French ‘falconier’ meaning falconer or bird-catcher.
FaaI is a variant of the surname Fawl and is derived from the Old German ‘fahl/fal’, meaning ‘pale; grey’, and is usually associated with the place of the same name located in the Holzminden district of Germany.
The variety Farrell is an Anglicization of the Irish surname O’Fearghail. It is derived from the Old Gaelic word ‘fear’ meaning ‘man’ and ‘gal’ meaning ‘valour’. It is thought to have initially referred to a brave warrior.
Famous people with the name Fawl
- John Fawl: bassist for several punk-rock bands between the 1980s and 2000s, including Bad Religion, ALL, and Stone By Stone
- Jody Fawl: Hollywood actor best known for his appearances in several 1980s comedies, such as The Secret of My Success and UHF
- Christopher Fawl: Emmy-nominated composer who has written scores for television shows such as 24 and The West Wing
- Diane Fawl: pioneering female aeronautical engineer, remembered for helping to develop the Lockheed C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft
- Charlyne Fawl: award-winning writer responsible for several popular comic books including One Night in Wasteland
- Bruce Fawl: Golden Globe-winning actor famous for his roles in Jurassic Park and A Few Good Men
- Heather Fawl: chart-topping singer who has released several albums including Dream of You and The Sea
- Leonard Fawl: legendary Hollywood cinematographer remembered for his work with a variety of directors, including Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick
- Ryan Fawl: professional football player who has made several appearances with the Green Bay Packers
- Sarah Fawl: internationally acclaimed painter often associated with the Pop Art movement