Surname Felsing - Meaning and Origin
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Felsing: What does the surname Felsing mean?
The surname Felsing is of German origin and is recorded in many documents and church registers in the German area from the medieval period onwards. It appears to be a nickname taken form the pre 7th century word "fellis" which translates as bold, brave, confident or an individual who gives evidence of courage and fortitude. In the Middle Ages, such nicknames were frequently adopted by individuals who wished to stand out from the crowd and give some indication of their character traits. Felsing can also be interpreted as a placename, with some suggesting it is derived from an area in Austria by that name.
In more recent centuries, the Felsing surname has spread far and wide and references can be found throughout Europe, the British Isles, America, Australia and New Zealand. The Felsings of Australia and New Zealand pioneered land clearing and have been credited with improving Australia’s and New Zealand’s agricultural products.
The name Felsing has been adopted by some national and international organizations. For example, the Felsing Institute was founded at the University of Hamburg in Germany in 1984 and is dedicated to the study of vertebrate paleontology. In 2010, Felsing Solutions Inc., a software development and consultancy firm, was founded in the US.
Overall, the Felsing name is associated with determination, courage, and enterprise. Its presence around the world is evidence of its holders’ tenacity and resolve.
Order DNA origin analysisFelsing: Where does the name Felsing come from?
The last name Felsing is most commonly found in Germany today. It is more commonly found in North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in the country, but it can be found in other parts of the country as well. Researchers have found records of the name Felsing in Germany as far back as the mid-1600s, primarily in the Lower Rhine region and the surrounding area. During the 20th century, there was a migration of the Felsing family from Germany to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The name Felsing is thought to have originated in the Lower Rhine region of Germany and is believed to be a variation of the name Fellings. It is assumed that the name dates back to the pre-medieval period and the Anglo-Saxon invasion of the region. The name may have been derived from a nickname given to a person who lived near a rocky outcrop or a mountain, because the word “Felsen” translates to ‘rock’ in German. Today, the name Felsing is still commonly found in the Lower Rhine region where it originated.
Variations of the surname Felsing
The surname Felsing is of Germanic origin and has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variants of Felsing include Fessler, Felsser, Felser, Felzer, and Felzer, while the various spellings are Faelsser, Faelscher, Faescher, and Felsinger.
Fessler (also spelled Fessler and Faessler) is a German and Swiss variant that is derived from the families of the medieval Fels/Felsmann, a class of freemen who provided services to higher-ranking families. It is an occupational surname for someone who worked in a forge, either as a smith or a farrier.
Felsser (also spelled Felser and Faehler) is a West Germanic variant of Felsing and is derived from the Scots-Irish name Felsmann. Its meaning is uncertain, but may refer to someone who worked with, at, or near an iron forge.
Felzer is a German, Swiss, and Jewish variant of Felsing and means "bracelet maker" or "weaver." It is an occupational name, most likely belonging to someone who produced metal bracelets or wove fabric.
Felzing or Felsinger is an Ashkenazic Jewish variant of Felsing and is also derived from the Latin name Felsmann, meaning “smith” or “worker in iron.” It is an occupational surname, most likely belonging to a person who worked in a forge or workshop involving ironworking.
Famous people with the name Felsing
- Inger Felsing, Russian born actress of stage, screen and television.
- Alan Felsing, British actor best known for playing Carl in the TV series "Living with the Felsings".
- Bob Felsing, former NFL and AFL defensive end and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Frederick Felsing, American artist of the Romantic movement.
- Robert Felsing, German classical concert pianist.
- Simon Felsing, Swedish Olympic equestrian gold medalist.
- Joachim Felsing, German Olympic rower.
- Andreas Felsing, German physicist and professor of applied mathematics at the Technical University of Berlin.
- Joseph Felsing, American classical composer and orchestrator.
- Sarah Felsing, German and international tennis champion.
- Christian Felsing, Austrian film director.
- Laura Felsing, German professor and gender studies researcher.
- Wolfgang Felsing, German actor and director of stage and television productions.
- Natasia Felsing, American actress, dancer and singer.
- Alexandra Felsing, German film and television actress.
- Alexander Felsing, former professional hockey player and current coach and analyst.
- Christine Felsing, German contemporary painter, sculptor and assemblage artist.
- Axel Felsing, German Olympic judo competitor.
- Sven Felsing, German Olympic and professional skier.
- Rolf Felsing, German Olympic rower and coach.