Surname Fölz - Meaning and Origin

Fölz: What does the surname Fölz mean?

The last name Fölz is a German and Austrian surname derived from the German word ‘folz’ meaning ‘wood’ or ‘forest’. This last name is found throughout many regions of Germany and Austria and is an alternate spelling of its feminine equivalent, Völz. It is considered an occupational surname, given to those who worked in the forestry and woodcutting industries, and is in fact still found among forest families and woodworking guilds today. The earliest recorded use of this surname was in 1555, when one Anna Ida Folczin of Vienna was found listed in a city directory.

Throughout Germanic regions, this surname’s meaning has also changed to mean ‘little people’. This may stem from the thirteen brothers who make up the collective last name, ‘Völz’. This ‘brother clan’ is an important archetype in German and Austrian folklore, which may explain why the name Fölz has come to represent a collection of small people.

The Fölz last name is also quite unique, given that it is usually spelled with an ö in German and Austrian dialects. This spelling is considered a USAmericanized version of the original ‘Völz’, but can be found in many written records.

Overall, the Fölz last name is quite an interesting one, with a long-standing history in both German and Austrian society. Whether it refers to the small forest people of folklore or those who worked in the timber industry, this surname has a unique origin story that is sure to draw attention wherever its holder may be from.

Fölz: Where does the name Fölz come from?

The last name Fölz is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It originates from Old High German and is derived from the word "volts" which means "people". The surname has been held by various noble and aristocratic families across Germany and Austria. According to a 2014 Census, this last name is still the 77th most common surname in Germany and the 82nd most common surname in Austria.

The first known recordings of the surname Fölz date back to the 16th century, when members of the Österreichische Adelsgeschlecht Furstenberg-Fölz held living and nobility in Germany and Austria. It is possible that the surname may also have originated from the region of Bavaria since several of the earliest bearers of the surname hailed from this area.

As the surname spread across Germany and Austria, its spelling, especially the umlauted Ö, evolved into several different variations such as Felz, Foelz, Folzs and Voelz, although these variations are less commonly seen today. Today, the Fölz surname is most commonly found in the German states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg, as well as Austria's Vienna.

Variations of the surname Fölz

The surname Fölz is of German origin and is found in two primary variants, the spelling and surname, being Folz and Foelz. The surname is derived from the German word “volz” which translates to “fox” and this indicates that the surname was likely given to those who had attributes of being cunning, sly or quick like the animal, or those who had a connection to the animal.

The variant spellings for this surname include Folz, Foelz, Voelz, Vollz, Follz, and Foelzer. A major variant of Fölz is found in the region of Switzerland, which is Völz. An Italian variant of the surname can also be found in the form of Falli. Other variants include Volz, Felz, Volzke, Fullz, and Foulz.

This surname is commonly found in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. It is also very common with families in the United States that migrated from Europe prior to World War I.

The changes in the spelling of the name Fölz demonstrate the difficulty that can come with tracing genealogy when many variant spellings exist. Those researching their family history should be mindful when searching the numerous variant spellings of the surname so that their records remain connected and the true origin of the family can be discovered.

Famous people with the name Fölz

• Margit Fölz: Margit Fölz (born February 21, 1951) is an Austrian actress best known for her role in the 1993 classic German drama Grosse Freiheit Nummer 7 (“Great Freedom Number 7”).
• Kurt Fölz: Kurt Fölz (1891-1956) was an Austrian actor who is best known for his roles in classic films such as The White Horse Inn (1930), then later appearing as a guest in the 1961 adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
• Karl Fölz: Karl Fölz (1926-1989) was an Austrian sculptor and architect, designer and conservator who, among his many accomplishments, is most renowned for his architectural sculptures and monuments.
• Robert Fölz: Robert Fölz (1915-1972) was a German ballet dancer, choreographer and dance teacher who is best known for his choreography for the Royal Ballet of London's Cinderella (1948).
• Benno Fölz: Benno Fölz (1918-2005) was a Jewish Austrian composer and conductor known for his works in light classical and film music genres.
• Erich Fölz: Erich Fölz (1909-1987) was an Austrian composer, pianist, and conductor best known for his works in Vienna’s Operetta.
• Günther Fölz: Günther Fölz (born 1927) is an Austrian actor and voice actor best known for his roles in the 1960’s comedy-drama series Der Bockerer.
• Karl Heinz Fölz: Karl Heinz Fölz (1909-1979) was a German tenor and opera singer who is best known for his portrayal as Alfredo in Verdi’s La traviata.
• Kurt Fölz-Stelzer: Kurt Fölz-Stelzer (1903-75) was an Austrian screenwriter and director of the early 20th century, best known for his 1936 drama When the Angel Calls (Der Engel schaut hinein).

Other surnames

FölzeFölzer