Surname Föllger - Meaning and Origin
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Föllger: What does the surname Föllger mean?
The surname Föllger is derived from a German word which translates to “the follower”. This suggests that this surname was likely adopted by those who followed someone in a higher social or political position.
The Föllger surname has a history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the German region of Bavaria. This was during a period of great political and social change, as well as a transition from predominately agrarian to largely urban workforces. As a result, people were often required to move from the farmlands they were used to, and pursue more skilled labor.
Since followers were needed to support those in more prominent positions, the presence of those with the Föllger surname became more prevalent during this time. It is likely that during the 15th to 17th centuries, those with the Föllger surname were among those immigrants who moved to other parts of Europe in search of stability and opportunity.
Though origins of the surname Föllger are somewhat unclear, it is thought to represent someone in a position of subordination and dependent on someone in a more powerful role. The fact that this surname is still present today is a testament to how much the German people have been able to adapt and evolve, taking their names and histories with them as they have navigated generational change.
Order DNA origin analysisFöllger: Where does the name Föllger come from?
The last name Föllger is historically associated with Austria and Germany, and its presence continues throughout those regions today. The surname originated in Bavaria and is found primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein—these are the countries where Föllger is most commonly found. The name is also present in other parts of Europe, such as France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
Beyond Europe, the last name Föllger is quite uncommon, with very few instances of it being found in the United States, Canada, South America, and Australia. The surname is especially rare in Australia, given the country's distant location; as far as it can be determined, only a handful of Föllgers have set foot in Australia. It is also uncommon in Africa and most Asian countries, though a few instances of Föllgers existing in China and India have been reported.
Due to its significant presence in Europe, Föllger is still an active and common surname. One can easily find Föllgers among the general population of Austria and Germany, and other parts of Europe, though the name is uncommon outside of the continent. It is sometimes found amongst German immigrants to the United States; at least one family with the name has settled in the state of Colorado, while others have been recorded in a number of other states.
Variations of the surname Föllger
The surname Föllger has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variations of the name are spelled as Foellger, Faellger, Faöller, Föll, Faeller, Fellger, Fallger, Voelgel, Foelgel, Voellgel, and Völlgel.
The surname Föllger is of ancient German origin and is derived from the Middle High German “vögeler,” meaning fowler, falconer, or a hunter of birds. It is a nickname for a hunter and is derived from the Old German word “vogel,” meaning bird. In addition, Föllger may have derived from a house sign such as a bird above the door.
The name is also found in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States. It is also spelled as Füllger, Füllgger, Foölger, Fuöller, Füller, Füllgerl, Fühllger, and Fölger.
In the United States the surname is more commonly spelled as Folger, Foulger, Fuhlger, and Fallger. It is also found in its anglicized version of Fowler, which is derived from the same origin.
Some of the surnames associated with the Föllger name include Folcer, Volger, Folz, and Volcker. There are also other alternative spellings such as Foellgaer, Fuergaer, Faaker, and Falker.
The name is not common but there are descendants of Föllger all over the world.
Famous people with the name Föllger
- Joan Föllger: Actress and model most known for her feature in the 2013 film version of “The Great Gatsby.”
- Thomas Föllger: Actor who appears in German television shows, including the award-winning thriller “Der Freund.”
- Jan Föllger: Wealthy German investor who started the Föllger Bull Corp.
- Elmar Föllger: Translator, author, and illustrator best known for his series of children's books titled “The Föllger Stories.”
- John Föllger: Professional swimmer and multiple gold medal winner, including the bronze medal in the 100 meters freestyle at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
- Veronica Föllger: German businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded the cosmetic company “Veronica’s Choice.”
- Claudia Föllger: Noted German astrophysicist and one of the leading researchers in the search for exoplanets.
- Frederic Föllger: World-renown tenor and winner of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Medal for Outstanding Artistic Achievement.
- Stephan Föllger: Environmental activist who has advocated for sustainability and a ban on deforestation practices.
- Heinz Föllger: Award-winning scientist and molecular biologist who pioneered many groundbreaking studies related to genetic engineering.