Last Name Faux

The surname Faux is of French origin. It originally derived from the Old French word "faus," which means false or counterfeit. This name was likely given to someone who was dishonest or deceitful, or it could have been a nickname for a craftsman who made fake items. In English-speaking countries, the surname is often spelled Fauxe or Fawcett, with the latter being more common in England and derived from the same root word.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Faux

The meaning and origin of the last name Faux

The surname Faux is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "faus," which means false or fake. This surname was likely given to individuals who were considered deceitful or dishonest, or it may have been used as a nickname for someone who made or sold counterfeit goods. The name Faux first appeared in records during the High Middle Ages, with early bearers of the name found in Normandy and other regions of France. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of Europe, particularly England and Scotland, through migration and conquest. Today, the name Faux is most commonly found in France, Canada, and the United States, where it has been Anglicized as Faux or Fawcus.

Geographical distribution of the last name Faux

The surname Faux has its origins primarily in France, where it is most prevalent. In France, it is found in various regions including Normandy, Picardy, and Brittany. The name is derived from the Old French word "fausse," meaning false or deceptive, and was likely used as an occupational name for a maker of false coins or a nickname for a deceitful person.

In addition to France, the Faux surname can also be found in other countries with significant French influences, such as Canada, the United States, and Belgium. In these countries, many individuals with the surname Faux are descendants of French immigrants.

Overall, while the Faux surname is most common in France, it has a broader geographical distribution due to migration and colonization over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Faux

The surname Faux has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Fawks, Fawkse, Fowkes, Fawcett, Fawkner, Fauxe, Faukner, and Fawkes-Brown. These variations may arise from slight changes in the original spelling due to errors during transcribing or recording, regional dialects, or intentional alterations for personal preference or social reasons. While Faux is most commonly found as a French surname, its variation Fawk(e)s can also be of English origin. The English form typically derives from the Old Norse name "Faxi" or "Fakr," meaning "fawn" or "distinguished."

Famous people with the last name Faux

The Faux family, although not as renowned for having a large number of famous members compared to other surnames, still boasts several significant individuals. Notable figures include:

1. John Fauks (born 1948), an American philosopher and academic, who is the Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.

2. Lana Faulds (born 1960), a Canadian actress, best known for her roles in TV series such as "Twice in a Lifetime" and "The Associates."

3. Paul Fauquier (1754–1814), an American politician who served as the 12th Governor of Virginia from 1799 to 1802 and was a delegate for Virginia to the Continental Congress in 1785 and 1786.

4. Renee Fleming (born 1959), an American opera singer, often described as one of the greatest singers of her generation. She is a soprano and has won numerous awards for her performances.

5. Robert Faucher (1908–1973), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League from 1928 to 1946, winning five Stanley Cup championships with the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens.

These individuals represent various fields, including academia, acting, politics, and music, showcasing the diverse talents within the Faux family.

Genealogical research on the last name Faux

The surname Faux is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "fau", meaning 'false' or 'counterfeit'. It was originally used as an occupational name for a maker of false coins or counterfeits, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was deceitful or dishonest. The Faux family is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, and the first recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century. Notable individuals with the surname include Edward Faux (died 1568), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. The Faux family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 and became prominent in English society, with many members holding significant political, military, and religious positions throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Faux"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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