Last Name Feick

The surname Feick is of German origin and it is derived from the Middle High German word "viez" which means "cow" or "ox." It may have originally been an occupational name for a herdsman or cattle-dealer. Another possible source suggests that it could be a nickname for someone who was strong, like an ox. As with many surnames, its exact origin can vary and it's important to note that the specific history of each instance of the name can differ.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Feick

The meaning and origin of the last name Feick

The surname Feick is of German origin, specifically from regions such as Bavaria and Westphalia. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "viez" or "veiz," meaning "cow" or "cattle." Individuals bearing this surname may have been cattle herders, butchers, or dealers in cattle, hence the association with livestock. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from variations like Veick, Feik, and Vieck to its current form. The migration of German speakers to other parts of Europe and the New World brought the surname Feick to many different regions, making it a common name in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Feick

The Feick surname is primarily found in Germany and Switzerland, with significant concentrations in these countries. In Germany, it's most prevalent in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Switzerland, it's particularly common in the German-speaking cantons like Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, and Thurgau. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Feick can also be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in North America, especially the United States, where it is believed to have been brought by German and Swiss immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Feick

The surname Feick has several variations and spelling derivatives due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time. Here are some of them:

* Fieck
* Veik
* Viek
* Fieke
* Feike
* Fyeck
* Veyk
* Veiky
* Fek
* Feeke

These variations may stem from regional accents, migratory patterns, or errors in historical records. It is also possible that some of these variants may have been intentionally altered by individuals seeking to distance themselves from a particular family or social group. Regardless of the specific origin, these spelling variations all share a common root with the original Feick surname.

Famous people with the last name Feick

The Feick surname is relatively uncommon among the globally famed, but there are notable individuals who bear this name. One of them is Thomas Feick, an American mathematician known for his work in numerical analysis and scientific computing. He was a professor at Purdue University and received the SIAM/ACM Prize in Computational Science and Engineering in 1998.

In the world of music, there's Randy Feenstra-Feick, an American rock musician who played with various bands including The Outlets and The Fleshtones. He was also a member of the Plimsouls, contributing to their hit single "A Million Miles Away."

Lastly, in the field of sports, there's Mike Feick, a former professional ice hockey player who played for teams like the Boston Bruins and the Minnesota North Stars during his career. He was known for his physical play and was selected as a member of the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1976–77.

Genealogical research on the last name Feick

The surname Feick is primarily of German origin and has several possible sources. One theory suggests it is a nickname for someone who was physically strong or fearless, derived from the Middle High German word "vehte," meaning mighty or powerful. Another theory links the name to the occupation of a feather worker, from the Old High German "veit" meaning feather.

The name Feick can be found in various regions of Germany, with significant concentrations in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. Early records show the first known occurrence of the surname was in the 14th century, with Mathes Feck appearing in the archives of Bremen in 1356.

Emigrants from Germany bearing the name Feick began to arrive in North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and other areas along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Notable individuals with the surname include German composer Karl Feick (1825-1873), and American football player William Feichter (born 1960).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Feick"
• 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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