Last Name Faust

Learn more about the origin of the last name Faust

The meaning and origin of the last name Faust

The surname Faust is of Germanic origin, derived from the medieval Latin name "Faustus" which means "fortunate," "auspicious," or "successful." It was popularized by the legend of Faustus, a character from the 16th-century tale "The Historia von Doktor Johannes Fausten." In this story, Faustus is a learned magician who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for supernatural powers. The legend has been reinterpreted and retold many times across various cultures, contributing to the widespread recognition of the name Faust. Over time, the name spread from Germany to other regions, particularly within Central Europe, and eventually, through immigration, to other parts of the world. Today, individuals with the surname Faust can be found in numerous countries, reflecting its diverse history and global dispersal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Faust

The surname Faust is predominantly of Germanic origin, with a significant concentration in Germany where it is ranked among the top 10,000 most common family names. Variations such as Faustmann, Fauster, and Faustinus can also be found within the country. Smaller populations of Faust descendants are scattered across other parts of Europe, particularly in countries with a historical affiliation to the Holy Roman Empire like Austria, Switzerland, and France. The name has also been introduced in various parts of the world due to migration, notably in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, where it is carried by immigrants or their descendants. In these countries, Faust can be found across multiple regions, though concentrations may exist in urban centers that were historically attractive for immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Faust

The surname Faust has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. The most common spelling is Faust, although it can also be found as Faaist, Phaist, Faiste, Fauce, Fause, Fausse, and Fowest in various dialects and languages. Some variations include the German Faustmann, Fauster, and Faustlinger, while the Dutch form is Phaust or Faasst. In French, it's often spelled Phaüste or Fauste. It's also worth noting that Faust can be a given name in some cultures, leading to surnames like von Faust, Faustus, and Fауст (Russian). These variations demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the surname Faust over time and across different linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Famous people with the last name Faust

The Faust surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. Johann Faust (circa 1480–1540), sometimes referred to as Doctor Faustus, was a German alchemist and magician, the subject of legends and works of literature, such as the play "Faust" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Additionally, Maria Fausta Constantinides (born 1932) is an influential Italian-American mathematician who has made significant contributions to algebraic geometry. Moreover, Fausto Coppi (1919–1960), known as 'Il Campionissimo', was a legendary Italian professional road racing cyclist who won the Tour de France twice and the Giro d'Italia five times. These examples illustrate the diverse accomplishments of people with the last name Faust throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Faust

The surname Faust has roots primarily in Germany and France, with significant populations carrying this name in both countries. It is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "vousta," which means "favorable" or "auspicious." In Germany, the name was common among the Bavarian nobility and later spread throughout the country. Some notable figures with the Faust surname include Johann Georg Faust (1480-1540), a German alchemist and occultist, and Friedrich August von Haynecken Faust (1799-1862), a Bavarian general and politician. In France, the name is found among Huguenots who fled persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the Faust family can be found across the globe, with notable populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and various countries in Europe. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover its rich history and diverse origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Faust"
• 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