Last Name Farkas

The surname "Farkas" has Hungarian and Romanian origins. In Hungarian, it means "wolf," derived from the Old Hungarian word "farka." The name was given to people who resembled wolves or belonged to a clan that had wolf totems. The name also appears in Romania, where it can be transliterated as "Vulpe" and has a similar meaning, "wolf." Notable persons with this surname include Hungarian film director Miklós Farkas, Romanian-born American artist Victor Brauner (who used the pen name V. Farkas), and Hungarian-American violinist Joseph Joachim Farkas.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Farkas

The meaning and origin of the last name Farkas

The surname Farkas originates from Hungarian and East Slavic origins, where it translates to "Wolf" in English. This name is most prevalent among Hungarians, and its usage can also be found among other Eastern European ethnic groups such as the Russians and Ukrainians. It has been suggested that the name may have been a nickname given to someone who resembled a wolf, or was perceived to possess characteristics associated with wolves, such as bravery, cunning, or ferocity. The use of animal names for personal identification is common in many cultures throughout history, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. In the case of Farkas, it not only serves as an identifier but also carries a significant meaning related to the wolf, a powerful and iconic creature in folklore and mythology.

Geographical distribution of the last name Farkas

The surname Farkas has its origins in Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary, where it is one of the most common surnames, primarily concentrated in the northern and northeastern regions. Historically, the name was borne by members of the Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin during the 9th and 10th centuries. The Farkas family also spread to neighboring countries, such as Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine, due to historical events like migrations and assimilation. In addition, smaller groups of individuals with the surname Farkas can be found in other parts of Europe, including Austria, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Russia, as well as in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, where it was brought by Hungarian immigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Farkas

The surname Farkas has various spellings and variations, originating from Hungarian ancestry. The most common English versions include Farkas, Farckas, Varckas, and Vorchas. Other variants may be found based on regional dialects or phonetic transcriptions, such as Varchas, Verkas, Forgach (a Hungarian patronymic derived from the name), Forgács, Forgas, and Forgham. In some instances, the surname might also appear as Farkasz, Varczes, Vorczes, or other similar forms in certain regions of Hungary or among diaspora communities. It is important to note that these variations may also lead to differences in pronunciation, with the primary accent on the second syllable: FAH-kahs being one common English pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Farkas

Notable individuals bearing the surname Farkas include:

1. George Farkas (1923-2007), an American composer and teacher who composed the music for several popular television shows, such as "The Flintstones" and "Gilligan's Island."

2. Maximilian Farkas (1865-1945), a Hungarian political figure and lawyer who served as Minister of Finance in the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919.

3. Károly Farkas (1901-1957), a Hungarian film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer known for his work on "The Human Circus" and "Meeting at Elvira's."

4. Miklós Farkas (1886-1950), a Hungarian communist politician who served as Minister of Defense in the Soviet-installed government during World War II.

5. Paul Farkas (born 1934), an American actor best known for his role as Sergeant Sam Farkas on the television series "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and "McHale's Navy."

6. Zoltán Farkas (1894-1950), a Hungarian composer, conductor, and music educator who served as the director of the Budapest Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1939 to 1944.

Genealogical research on the last name Farkas

The surname Farkas is of Hungarian origin, derived from the Old Hungarian word "farka" meaning "wolf". Historically, it was common among the Magyar tribes that settled the Carpathian Basin in the ninth century. Over time, the name spread throughout Hungary and into neighboring regions, with significant populations found in present-day Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia due to historical migrations and territorial changes. Notable individuals bearing the Farkas surname include George Farkas, a 20th-century composer and pianist from Romania; and Laszlo Farkas, a Hungarian economist and statesman. Genealogical research can be challenging due to variations in spelling (such as Farakas, Farkasz, or Varkas) and the commonality of the name across multiple countries. However, online resources like family history websites, census records, and ethnicity-focused genealogy groups can aid in tracing one's Farkas heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Farkas"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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