Last Name Felden

The surname Felden is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from various locations named "Feld" in Germany, which means "field" in English. The surname may have been originally occupational for someone who lived near a field or topographical, referring to someone who came from the town of Feld. Over time, variations of this surname emerged due to differences in spelling and transliteration, such as Felden, Velden, and Veldt.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Felden

The meaning and origin of the last name Felden

The surname Felden is of German origin, derived from various places named Felden throughout Germany. It is believed to have been originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a field or open area, as "Feld" is the German word for field.

The earliest records of the name date back to the late Middle Ages in regions such as Westphalia and Saxony. Variations of the surname, such as Feldene, Velfelde, and Velten, also exist, possibly due to spelling variations during different historical periods or geographical locations. The migration of German settlers to other countries, particularly the United States, led to the widespread distribution of this surname globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Felden

The surname Felden is predominantly found in Europe, particularly Germany and Austria. According to genealogical research, it originated from the village of Veldau in Saxony, Germany, which was later renamed Felda. Over time, individuals with this surname migrated and established communities in various parts of Europe, North America, and other continents. In Europe, significant populations can be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. In North America, the United States and Canada have notable numbers of people with the last name Felden, primarily due to immigration waves from Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other countries with smaller but identifiable Felden populations include Australia, South Africa, and Israel. The geographical distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges across continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Felden

The last name Felden can have several variations and spelling due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some of these variations include Feldene, Veldane, Velden, Feldaen, Feltham, and Velten. These alterations may stem from minor misspellings or regional dialects. Additionally, there could be alternative origins or meanings for the name, such as Felden being a German surname derived from the Old High German word "veld" meaning "field" or "meadow". Alternatively, it could potentially be of Jewish origin, possibly from the Yiddish word "feled" which means "pearl". It is essential to note that these alternative origins are not universally accepted and should be confirmed through further research.

Famous people with the last name Felden

The Felden surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of classical music, Louis Felden (1879-1964), a German conductor and composer, is known for his contributions to the world of opera. Meanwhile, in the field of psychology, Pauline L. B. Felden (born 1935) is a renowned Dutch clinical psychologist and author who has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of personality disorders. In the sporting world, Jens Felden (born 1968), a German footballer, played professionally for clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfB Stuttgart, while in the realm of visual arts, artist Markus Lüpertz, who was born as Marcus Felden in Altenberge, Germany in 1941, is known for his figurative paintings that combine elements of Surrealism and Expressionism. These examples demonstrate the diverse achievements of individuals bearing the surname Felden.

Genealogical research on the last name Felden

The Felden surname is of German origin and is believed to have derived from various locations named Feld (meaning field) across Germany. Early records show that the name was first documented in the region of Westphalia, specifically around the town of Felden near Coesfeld, Westphalia, during the Middle Ages. The family's history can be traced back to the 14th century with Johannes de Feldin mentioned in a document from 1357. The name subsequently spread across Europe due to religious and political factors such as the Thirty Years' War and the Expulsion of Jews from various regions. Variations of the surname, including Felde, Veldt, and Field, can be found throughout Germany, Austria, and Holland. Notable individuals with the Felden surname include Rabbi David Felden (1809-1874), a German rabbi, and Moritz von Felden (1763-1825), a Prussian officer during the Napoleonic Wars.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Felden"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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