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Last Name Feichter

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What is the origin of the last name Feichter?

Last updated : 27 July 2025

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The surname Feichter is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Viete," meaning "woodcutter." Over time, it evolved into "Feichtner" and eventually "Feichter" due to variations in spelling and pronun…

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The meaning and origin of the last name Feichter

The surname Feichter is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "veit" meaning 'life' or 'vitality', and the suffix "-huter", which means 'guardian'. Therefore, Feichter can be roughly translated as 'Guardian of Life'. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in transliteration and transcription, such as Viechtor, Veichtel, Veitcher, and Fiedler. The name became common among German-speaking populations, particularly in areas like Swabia and Bavaria, and was later brought to other regions as a result of migration and cultural diffusion.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feichter

The surname Feichter is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Austria. It originates from the Middle High German "veichte," meaning "fuller" or "cloth finisher." Its distribution also extends to other countries with significant German immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the highest concentration of Feichters can be found in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, which have historical ties to German immigration. In Canada, Ontario and Manitoba show a notable presence of this surname. In Austria, the region of Lower Austria has a higher occurrence rate compared to other regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feichter

The surname Feichter has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical changes in spelling over time. Some variations include Fietcher, Feichterer, Faitchter, Vaitchur, Veitcher, and Fichtre. These variations may arise from minor differences in pronunciation or orthography across different regions and time periods. Additionally, the name could potentially have originated from other languages with similar-sounding surnames, such as German's Feicher (meaning "twisted" or "curly"), Austrian Fichtl (meaning "fir tree"), or even Polish Fijtel (a variant of Fiedler). It is essential to note that the name's origins and variations can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint due to the complex history of surnames.

Famous people with the last name Feichter

Prominent individuals with the surname Feichter include:

1. Hans Feichtner (born 1964), an Austrian alpine skier who won two Olympic gold medals and four world championship titles in slalom during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
2. Stefan Feuchtwang (1917-2007), a British-Chinese scholar of Chinese history, religion, and art, who served as the first Professor of Chinese Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
3. Jürgen Feichter (born 1944), an Austrian ice hockey player who competed in two Winter Olympics and won a gold medal with the Austrian national team in 1964.
4. Christian Feichtinger (born 1972), an Austrian concert violinist and conductor, known for his performances as soloist and chamber musician worldwide.
5. Martin Feichter (born 1983), a German professional footballer who currently plays for FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga, having previously played for clubs like Schalke 04 and Stuttgart.

Genealogical research on the last name Feichter

The surname Feichter is believed to have origins in Germany, specifically Bavaria. Variations of this name include Viechter and Fichtner, indicating potential alterations due to regional dialects or transcription errors during immigration. The name is derived from the Middle High German "vichter," meaning woodcutter or forester, which is a profession associated with the region's forested landscape.

The Feichters are thought to have emigrated from Germany to Switzerland and later to Austria, particularly Tyrol and Vorarlberg, during the Late Middle Ages. The migration to other parts of Europe began in earnest in the 18th century, with significant settlements in France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

The first known Feichters in America are believed to have arrived in Pennsylvania around 1735. By the mid-19th century, there were notable Feichter communities in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Today, the largest concentrations of Feichters can be found in these regions, as well as in California and Minnesota.

The Feichter family tree includes several notable individuals, such as Albert Feichter, a Swiss-American composer, and Richard J. Feichter, an American politician who served as Mayor of St. Louis, Missouri.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

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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