Surname Fogt - Meaning and Origin
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Fogt: What does the surname Fogt mean?
The last name Fogt is of German origin and is most commonly found in North-central Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German word "voget," meaning "voice of thunder." This origin is also likely related to the German word "vogt," meaning "governor, steward, or leader."
The surname Fogt is believed to have initially been used as an occupational name for a steward, bailiff, or similar position of power. It is possible that the name could have been adopted by someone, or even a family, who rose to a prominent position during the Middle Ages.
The Fogt surname is most commonly found in North-central Germany, especially the Rhineland and Saxony. It also is found among German descendants in North and South America and in other parts of the world where German immigrants settled.
The Fogt name is also found in British and Scandinavian sources, suggesting that the name was brought to those regions by German settlers long ago. The name is rare in all countries, but is especially uncommon in the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisFogt: Where does the name Fogt come from?
The last name Fogt is most common in the United States and Germany. In the US, it is most heavily concentrated in the midwestern states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois. Fogt's can also be found in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
In Germany, most Fogts are located in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is the most populous state of Germany. Other states in Germany where one may find the last name Fogt include Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
The Fogt name originates from Middle High German and translates to “forester” or “gamekeeper,” suggesting an affinity for nature and conservation. Families with the Fogt last name in the United States and Germany are thought to be of German descent, but the name is also associated with Finland and Sweden, so many people with the Fogt name can have multiple ancestral roots.
It is unknown where the Fogt family originated from because records have not been available through the centuries; however, the Fogt family in Germany was first recorded in Wurttemberg in the 15th century with Claus Foge.
Today, members of the Fogt family can be found across the U.S. and Europe. The name is most common in the regions seen above, but one can also find it in South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South America.
Variations of the surname Fogt
The surname Fogt is of Germanic origin and has various alternate spellings and variants. A variant of Fogt is Fogat. This name is mainly found in the German regions of Saxony and Brandenburg. It is derived from the German word 'fogt,' which translates to 'foreman' or 'provost.'
The surname Fogt can also be found spelled as Fogete, Fogethe, Foggt, Foggte, Voigt, Voigte, Vaugt, Vogt, Vogtmann, Vogte, Vogtlieb, Vogtsburg, Vogtland, Voxte, and Foge.
The various spellings and variants of Fogt can be found in variations throughout Europe. In the United States, the surnames are primarily found in states settled by German immigrants, such as Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The surname is also found in France, Netherlands, and Denmark.
In some cases, the variants of Fogt can also point towards a noble, royal heritage or a knighted position may have been the origin of the surname. This surname is also associated with various noble titles like Vogt, Voigt, or Vogts.
Overall, the variants and alternate spellings of the surname Fogt cover a variety of different cultural and language derivations. They can be found in various different regions and countries and may carry different meanings and origin stories depending on the spelling and region.
Famous people with the name Fogt
- Dan Fogt: nicknamed “The Foggiest Fogt”, Dan Fogt is a former NBA player who had a 14-year career with the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Johnny Fogt: professional surfer and winner of two World Championships, Johnny Fogt is a legendary figure in the sport.
- Emma Fogt: Emma Fogt is a Hollywood actress best known for her roles on The O.C. and Supergirl.
- Joe Fogt: Joe Fogt is a Grammy-winning artist and producer for several major labels. He’s worked with artists like John Legend, Rihanna, and Eminem.
- Mark Fogt: Mark Fogt is an NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion, having won a championship with the Dallas Cowboys in 1996.
- Dave Fogt: Dave Fogt is a former Major League Baseball pitcher, having played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets during his career.
- Linda Fogt: Linda Fogt is an Olympic-winning rhythmic gymnast who won the gold medal in the 1996 Olympics.
- Doug Fogt: Doug Fogt is a professional golfer who has won several PGA events, including the 2003 Tour Championship.
- Chris Fogt: Chris Fogt is an Olympic-winning bobsledder who won a bronze medal in the 2014 Winter Olympics and a gold medal in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Ricky Fogt: Ricky Fogt is a professional skier and silver medalist in the 2002 Winter Olympics.