Surname Fegerlein - Meaning and Origin
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Fegerlein: What does the surname Fegerlein mean?
The last name Fegerlein is believed to be of German origin. This last name is derived from the Middle High German word "veger" which means "fielder" or "plowman". This is one of the oldest German occupational surnames as it was first recorded back in 888 AD at Niedersweid-Göns in Germany.
The Fegerlein surname was common amongst German peasant families in the Middle Ages. It was mainly used by farmers, field workers, and landholders. They were responsible for growing and harvesting crops as well as caring for livestock. This was an important job and those who held the Fegerlein surname were seen as strong and dependable people.
The Fegerlein surname became more widespread in the 18th century and can be found across Europe. Today it is especially common in Germany and Austria, but can also be found in Switzerland, the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
The Fegerlein surname is an old and meaningful name that has stood the test of time. It is still used by many and is a reminder of the important role that these ancestors played in the development of our modern society.
Order DNA origin analysisFegerlein: Where does the name Fegerlein come from?
The surname Fegerlein is found mainly in Germany, with some spread into the surrounding areas such as Austria and Switzerland. Within Germany, it is most common in the country's more southern states such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. Fegerlein is also found in Poland and Czechia to some extent. Beyond Europe, the name Fegerlein is mainly found in the United States, which indicates that the name came with German immigrants settling in the country.
Within Germany itself, the surname Fegerlein appears to be quite rare, but nevertheless is found in a number of places. The city of Hanau in the state of Hesse appears to be the area with the highest proportion of Fegerlein inhabitants, with large numbers of German families having lived there for generations. The surname is also common in the surrounding area of Westrhine-Palatinate and in Bavaria, particularly in the cities of Munich and Nuremberg.
In the United States, Fegerlein is mainly found in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This may indicate a German migration route that originated from the Hanau area and then spread out over time.
Generally, the family name Fegerlein appears to have maintained its concentration mainly in Germany and the United States. Although it is still quite a rare surname within both Germany and the United States, it has survived for centuries, and shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon.
Variations of the surname Fegerlein
Fegerlein is a German surname. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Fägerlein, Faegerlein, Fegerly, Feigarly, Faigarly, Faegarly, Fagorly and Fogorly.
Fegerlein can be traced back to the ancient Germanic area, and its variations can be found widely throughout the German regions. It likely derived from the Middle High German root meaning ‘guard’ or ‘watchman’, derived from the Middle High German word ‘fegen’ meaning ‘to guard’ or ‘watch’. It may also have derived from 'fager’ meaning 'beautiful'.
The most common variation of this surname is Fegerlein, which is the main spelling found in Germany and Austria today. Spelling variations of Fegerlein can be found in countries where German has historically had a linguistic influence, as well as in some areas of the United States where German immigrants settled and adopted the Fegerlein surname.
Fagerley, Fagerly and Fagerly are the most common English spelling variations of the German surname Fegerlein. Faegarly is a variation found in some parts of the United States, and Fagorly is an alternative spelling found primarily in East Prussia.
Other spellings include Feigarly, Faigarly and Fogorly. Variations of the Fegerlein surname, such as Feigerly and Fagerlein, are found in parts of Switzerland and Silesia.
In conclusion, the surname Fegerlein has a multitude of variations and spellings, due to its Germanic roots and the geographic and linguistically-influenced areas where it is found. Its derived meanings may have something to do with the watchman and beauty.
Famous people with the name Fegerlein
- Johannes Fegerlein (1849–1924): German painter known for his landscapes and mythological works.
- Eduard Fegerlein (1850–1916): German architect and educator best known for performing major restorations of the Bavarian castles.
- Hermann Fegerlein (1832–1900): German lawyer and politician known for his Handbook of the German Constitution.
- Stefan Fegerlein (born 1965): German football manager.
- Joachim Fegerlein (1866–1930): German philologist and historian best known for his works in epigraphy.
- Andreas Fegerlein (born 1971): German businessman and politician.
- Alex Fegerlein (born 1958): German composer and music director.
- August Fegerlein (1839–1904): German lithographer and publisher of Bavarian prints.
- Karin Fegerlein (born 1966): German biathlete and cross-country skier.
- Peter Fegerlein (1909–1996): German theologian and author.