Last Name Felch

The surname Felch is of English origin. It is derived from a nickname for a noisy or boisterous person, from Middle English "felche" meaning "to chatter," or "to chat." This name was common among the Anglo-Saxons and was later brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. Other variations of the surname include Fellch, Felsh, and Felsch.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Felch

The meaning and origin of the last name Felch

The surname Felch is of Old English origin, derived from the word "felah," which means "traveler" or "pilgrim." This name likely evolved as a nickname for someone who was frequently on journeys, whether for religious reasons, trade, or other purposes. Over time, it became a hereditary surname as family names began to emerge in the Middle Ages. The spelling variations of the name include Felch, Felsh, Felsch, and others, which have arisen due to various factors such as regional accents, scribal errors, and migration. Today, individuals with the surname Felch can be found primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly in England, America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Felch

The surname Felch is predominantly distributed across several regions in Europe, with significant concentrations found in England and Wales, particularly in the counties of Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire. It is also common in Scotland, particularly in the Lothian region around Edinburgh. Smaller populations can be found in other parts of Europe such as Germany, France, and Poland, suggesting possible ancestral migration or common origin from these regions. In North America, Felch is most prevalent in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast, with notable numbers in states like Michigan, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, likely due to European immigration patterns during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Felch

The surname Felch has several variations and spellings. Here are some of them:

1. Felch - This is the most common spelling of the name. It originates from England and is of Norman origin, with the meaning being uncertain.
2. Feltch - A less common variation, which could also be a typographical error or regional dialect form of Felch.
3. Fealch - Another uncommon variant that might be due to misspelling or localized pronunciation differences.
4. Felk - This spelling is not typically associated with the surname Felch but may occur due to errors in transcription, misspellings, or creative reinterpretations of the name.
5. Velaix - A possible French variant of the name, although it's more likely a different surname altogether.
6. Velche - An uncommon spelling that could be a typographical error or creative reinterpretation of the original name.
7. Fellache - A rare misspelling or mispronunciation of the name Felch.
8. Feleach - This spelling is not common and may be due to errors in transcription, misspellings, or regional pronunciation differences.

Famous people with the last name Felch

Notable individuals with the surname Felch include:

1. Stephen J. Felch, an American engineer and professor who has made significant contributions to the field of computational fluid dynamics. He is currently a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
2. John Felch, an American football player who played as a linebacker for the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Western Michigan University.
3. David Felch, an American author and journalist who is best known for his work on investigative journalism and true crime. His books include "Invisible Darkness: The Hidden World of America's Most Violent Racist Groups" and "The Aryan Couple."
4. Christopher Felch, an American conductor and music educator who is the director of choral activities at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He has also served as the chorus master for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
5. Sarah Felch, an American artist known for her work in printmaking and book arts. She is a professor emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she taught for many years. Her work has been exhibited internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Felch

The surname Felch is of English origin, believed to be a variant of the Old English "felah" meaning 'stranger' or 'pilgrim'. Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Felche, Fellche, and Fealch during the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Robert de Felche, who resided in Suffolk around 1200 AD. The Felch family lineage can be traced to several notable individuals throughout history. William Felch, born in 1568 in Lancashire, England, migrated to Virginia in the early 17th century and became an influential member of the Jamestown colony. In modern times, prominent figures with the surname Felch include Charles L. Felch, a professor of musicology at the University of Michigan, and David Felch, a former professional football player in the National Football League. The Felch family tree exhibits a diverse range of occupations and geographical dispersal, reflecting its long and rich history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Felch"
• 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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