The surname Feher (pronounced Fayer) is of Hungarian origin. It derives from the Old Hungarian word "fehér," which means white in English. This surname was often given to people with light hair or complexion. Over time, it has been spelled differently across various regions due to phonetic changes and transliterations, such as Fayar, Feyer, Feir, and others.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Feher
The meaning and origin of the last name Feher
The surname Feher, pronounced "fay-er," is of Hungarian origin. It translates to 'white' in English, derived from the Old Hungarian word "fehér." This surname was often used as a descriptive name, indicating that the original bearer had white hair or complexion, lived in a white house, or was born on a particular season associated with snow (winter). The Feher family name can also be found among Ashkenazi Jewish families, where it may have been adopted due to similarities in pronunciation and meaning with the Hebrew name 'Fa'adia' meaning "exalted." Over time, variations of this surname such as Fayor, Fajer, and Fayer also emerged.
Geographical distribution of the last name Feher
The last name Feher is predominantly of Hungarian origin and is distributed primarily within Hungary itself. It translates to 'white' in Hungarian, making it a common surname among people from this region. Outside of Hungary, significant populations of individuals with the surname Feher can be found in countries with large Hungarian diaspora communities, such as Romania, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Canada, and the United States. In these countries, Feher is often a reflection of Hungarian immigration waves throughout history. Additionally, small populations of individuals with this surname can also be found in other European countries, including the UK, France, and the Netherlands, as well as South America and Australia due to migration over the centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Feher
The surname Feher, of Hungarian origin, can have various spellings and variations in English due to differences in transliteration and transcription. Some common versions include: Féher, Fehery, Feheri, Fehérgy, and Feheryi. These variations may occur based on factors such as regional dialects, personal preference, or historical circumstances. The name 'Feher' translates to 'white' in Hungarian, reflecting its meaning.
Famous people with the last name Feher
Notable individuals with the surname Feher include:
1. Lajos Fehér (born 1964), a Hungarian former football goalkeeper who played for clubs such as Videoton FC and Newcastle United, and was a member of the Hungary national team during the 1980s and 1990s.
2. Gabor Feher (1933-2015), a Hungarian mathematician known for his work on geometric group theory, hyperbolic spaces, and the study of random walks on groups.
3. Judit Feher (born 1987), a Hungarian tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 50 in June 2014.
4. Andrew Feher, an American screenwriter and producer known for his work on television shows such as "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel."
5. Peter Feher (born 1963), a Hungarian-American mathematician specializing in number theory and arithmetic geometry. He is currently a professor at Stanford University.
Genealogical research on the last name Feher
The surname Feher, meaning "white" in Hungarian, is predominantly found among populations of Hungarian descent. Origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages, during the formation of the Hungarian state around the 9th or 10th century. Notable individuals with this surname include Imre Fehér, a Hungarian chess grandmaster, and Anna Feher, a Hungarian-born Canadian composer. The Feher family migrated to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, settling primarily in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., they are most concentrated in New York and California, while in Canada, they are found mainly in Ontario and Quebec. The Feher family tree is a complex tapestry of migration, intermarriage, and assimilation, reflecting the global journey of this surname throughout history.
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.
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