Surname Flüggen - Meaning and Origin

Flüggen: What does the surname Flüggen mean?

The last name Flüggen is a German surname, most commonly found in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The origin of Flüggen is derived from the German word "flüggen," meaning "to flow." This suggests the name is associated with someone who lived or worked close to a body of flowing water such as a river or a stream.

In many parts of Germany, the name Flüggen is derived from given names such as a person’s father or grandfather, and is likely to signify a familial connection. It is also one of many German names with a potentially regional origin, and so was likely first used in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The use of this last name in German records dates back to the 17th century, when the religious practices of the Protestant population were partially recorded in records of births, deaths, and marriages. It is likely the name has been passed down and is still used by many German residents today, although it may have a slightly different meaning or spelling depending on the region.

As with many German surnames, Flüggen may be translated and anglicised into different English versions. This could include Flugg, Flegge, and Fleggen.

Flüggen: Where does the name Flüggen come from?

The surname Flüggen is most commonly found in Germany today, along with Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium. It is believed to be of Germanic origin, and derived from the Middle High German "flüge", which refers to "a stream". It is a variant spelling of the more commonly found Fluegge and is most likely derived from the same source.

The earliest recorded occurrence of the name Flüggen in Germany is in 1745, when the Flüggen family of Lüdinghausen, Germany, was documented. This family may have origins in the German province of Westphalia, but other regions may have adopted this name during emigration.

Flüggen is now most commonly found in the German states of North Rhine–Westphalia and Lower Saxony. It is believed that North Rhine Westphalia holds the largest concentration of Flüggen families in the country with nearly two thousand people bearing the name living there.

Many people bearing the Flüggen surname can be found in the United States, particularly around the cities of Milwaukee and New Hamburg, Wisconsin. Historically, these families left Germany due to religious and economic persecution during the 19th century and established themselves in these cities, which became known for their large German speaking populations, especially when compared to other U.S. regions. Conversely, many Fluegge families returned to Germany from the U.S. during this time, as well, as evidenced in the records of the German Emigration Center in Bremerhaven.

Today, it is likely that the surname Flüggen has spread to other countries, particularly those with high levels of German immigration, as well as regions where German influence has had an historic presence.

Variations of the surname Flüggen

The surname Flüggen has its origins in Westphalia, a region in Germany. It is a rare surname and likely comes from Germanic personal name Flukko, which was popular in the Middle Ages.

The main spelling for the surname Flüggen is Flüggen. However, it is sometimes also spelled Fleggen, Fluessen, Fluess, and Fluegge, with Fluessen being the most common variation.

Variants of the surname include Fleuggen, Flehgen, Fleugge, Flügge, and Flüggen all referring to the same origin. The spelling could have also been changed to accommodate regional dialects or during mass emigration from Germany in the 19th Century.

Surnames derived from the same origin as Flüggen include Flögge, Flögken, Flüken, Flinger, Flickinger, Flechter, Fleisher, Fleit, and Fleahman.

Many of these surnames are still in use today, and while they aren't that common, you can find individuals with the last name across Germany and sometimes in other countries, depending on the extent of emigration.

Famous people with the name Flüggen

• Thomas Flüggen: German musician who is a member of the rock band Guru Guru.
• Jürgen Flüggen: German actor who appeared in films such as Oh Boy!, Vampires Most Wanted and Napola.
• Thomas Flüggen-Decker: German physicist and professor at the Technical University of Dortmund.
• Andreas Flüggen: German actor who has appeared in films such as Alles auf Sieg and Gesture of Freedom.
• Werner Flüggen: German journalist and television presenter.
• Andreas Flüggen von Stechow: German physician and professor at the University of Göttingen.
• Utz Flüggen: German physicist and former president of the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics.
• Thomas Flüggen-Grolms: German historian and professor of modern history at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen.
• Uwe Flüggen: German comedian, TV presenter and entrepreneur.
• Sabine Flüggen: German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Other surnames

Flügge