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Last Name Fedalen

What is the origin of the last name Fedalen?

The last name Fedalen is of Norwegian origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically the village of Feda in the municipality of Gjemnes in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. The name likely originates from the Old Norse word "fjödr" meaning stream or river, and "land" meaning land. Thus, Fedalen could be interpreted as 'the stream-land'. Over time, the spelling of the surname has been anglicized to its modern form, with variations such as Fedaalen and Fedealen also found.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fedalen

The meaning and origin of the last name Fedalen

The surname Fedalen is a patronymic name of Norwegian origin, derived from the given name Fjotolf, which means "ruler of the wolf" or "wolf's ruler." This name was originally a nickname for someone who resembled a wolf or possessed wolf-like qualities. The name Fjotolf evolved over time into Fedalen, likely due to dialectical variations and phonetic changes. As a patronymic name, Fedalen is derived from the father's first name, indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone named Fjotolf. The name has been popular in Norway since medieval times and can be found in various spellings throughout the country.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fedalen

The surname Fedalen has a concentrated distribution primarily in Norway, with the highest concentrations found in the counties of Vestfold and Akershus, both located along the southeastern coast. Additionally, there are significant populations of individuals bearing this name in the neighboring counties of Østfold and Buskerud. Migration patterns suggest that some people with the last name Fedalen have moved to other parts of Norway, as well as to countries like the United States and Canada, often through the process of emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the name is predominantly Norwegian in origin, its distribution extends beyond the country's borders due to historical migration events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fedalen

The surname Fedalen can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration, and transcribing over time. Some common variations include Fedlein, Fedlin, Fedlen, Feedelen, Fiedelen, and Fidelen. These variations may arise from factors such as errors during data entry, regional dialects, or the use of different systems for spelling phonetically similar names. It's essential to consider these variations when conducting research on family history or genealogy.

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Genealogical research on the last name Fedalen

The surname Fedalen originates from Norway and is primarily found in the western counties of Rogaland and Hordaland. It is believed to be a variant of the Old Norse personal name "Fjölnir," meaning "victorious in battle." Historical records show that the Fedalen family can be traced back to the 16th century, with the first recorded spelling of the name being "Fedalon" in the church registers of Stavanger in 1580. Over the centuries, several notable individuals bearing the surname have emerged, including Jonas Fedalen, a Norwegian politician and businessman who served as the mayor of Stavanger in the late 19th century. The Fedalen family has also produced several descendants who emigrated to North America, primarily settling in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Fedalen family can be found across Norway and various parts of the world, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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