Surname Felder - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling the Felder Surname Story: A Archaeogenetically Driven Journey Through iGENEA DNA Test

Discovering one's ancestry can be a captivating experience, especially when attempts are made through a scientific lens. Launching myself onto this journey via the iGENEA DNA test has indeed been enlightening. This odyssey into my family's root, especially focusing on the Felder surname, has unveiled rich insights into my lineage using the bridges of science, history, and anthropology.

J. Felder

Felder: What does the surname Felder mean?

The surname Felder is of German origin and it translates to 'field' in English. The name was often used as an occupational surname for a farmer or someone who tended to fields. In some cases, it could also refer to someone who lived near open fields or in a cleared area. Felder also signifies someone who comes from the village of Feld, which are found in several places throughout Germany. It is a common surname in countries with a significant German-speaking population, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Therefore, individuals with Felder as a last name can often trace their ancestry back to these regions. Regardless, in today's world, the surname is widely spread across various countries due to migration and does not necessarily indicate German ethnicity or lineage.

Felder: Where does the name Felder come from?

The surname Felder is of German origin and it means "field" in English. This linguistic connection suggests that the name was likely first given to people who worked in fields, such as farmers or laborers. However, it might have also been a topographic name for someone who lived or worked on land that had been cleared or a nickname for someone with a jovial or outgoing personality. Over time, Felder spread throughout different areas due to migration and settlements.

Today, Felder is common in various parts of the world, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland due to their historic German-speaking populations. Additionally, this surname is found in the United States and other parts of the world, due to the influence of German immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Nonetheless, the name still maintains a strong concentration in German-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Felder

The surname Felder originates from Germany and denotes someone who lived in or near a field. The name is derived from Middle High German "veld(e)" meaning "field". It is often metonymic occupational name for a peasant farmer or agricultural laborer.

Alternative spelling for Felder include: Feller, Felderer, Feldmann, Felde, and Feld. It could also be spelled phonetically as Felt, Felde, Fielder, Field, Fild, Filld, or Feldar in English-speaking regions.

The surname has been Americanized into forms like Fields. In Yiddish-speaking communities it could be spelled as Feld or Feldman.

Another variant is Feldherr, which may denote a military connotation. Similarly, the Feldmarschall denotes a field marshal.

Surnames of the same origin could also include geographic variants such as Bergfelder (mountain fielder) and Wiesenfelder (meadow fielder).

In some Eastern European countries or in Israel, the name could also be rendered as Felderovich or Felderman. In the Netherlands, it may be van der Felder or van't Feld. It may also appear as Le Felder in some French-speaking regions.

As with any surname, it is important to remember that variations can occur due to differences in regional dialects, generations of family tradition, and individual preferences.

Famous people with the name Felder

• Don Felder: An American musician and songwriter, known for his work as lead guitarist with The Eagles.
• Katrina Leskanich and Vince de Paul: Members of the rock band Katrina and the Waves, both born with the last name Felder.
• Kobe Bryant: American professional basketball player. His birth name is Kobe Bean Bryant, but his father Joe Bryant's birth name is Joseph Washington Felder.
• Denise Felder: A prominent writer, speaker and advocate for career development and education equity in the United States.
• Wilton Felder: An American saxophonist and bassist known for his work with the Jazz Crusaders.
• Bruce Felder: An American politician who served as a South Carolina State Representative.
• Arthur Felder: An accomplished recording engineer who worked with many significant artists including Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye.
• Ruth Felder: An international human rights activist, best known for her advocacy work in Latin America.
• Noah Felder: A British actor, known for his work on television and stage.
• Hans Felder: A Swiss painter, known for his landscapes and still lifes. His works are exhibited in museums in Switzerland and abroad.
• Leatrice Joy Gilbert Felder: An American author and the daughter of film stars John Gilbert and Leatrice Joy.

Other surnames

FeldeFeldererFelders