Last Name Felger

The surname Felger has origins that can be traced back to several European countries. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "velgen," which means "to feel" or "to touch." The original bearers of this name were likely professionals who felt or tested materials, such as metals, textiles, or wood. In German-speaking regions, the name may have originated among artisans who were involved in the production of felt, which was a valuable material for clothing and other practical uses during the Middle Ages. The name is also found in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where it may be related to similar occupational names like "Felger" (from French "fileur" meaning "spinner") or "Velder" (Dutch for "shepherd"). It's important to note that surnames often undergo changes in spelling and pronunciation as they are passed down through generations, and the name Felger may be spelled differently in various parts of the world. Additionally, it is possible for unrelated individuals to share the same surname due to factors such as migration, adoption, or simply chance.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Felger

The meaning and origin of the last name Felger

The surname Felger is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "vogel," which means 'bird,' and the suffix "-er," indicating an occupation or status related to birds. In this case, it may have referred to a person who dealt with birds for some purpose, such as a falconer, bird keeper, or perhaps even someone who built nesting boxes for birds. The name Felger is less common in modern times due to migrations and the shift towards patronymic and geographical surnames during the Middle Ages. As with many surnames, it has variations across regions, with examples like Vogler, Volger, or Fowler found in different parts of Europe and America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Felger

The last name Felger is primarily concentrated in German-speaking regions, with a significant number of bearers found in Germany and Switzerland. Smaller populations can be found in Austria, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg, where the name originated from the Old High German "velgo" meaning "forest ranger." The name has also spread through European migration to North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, with notable concentrations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Additionally, small communities of Felger family descendants can be found in Australia and New Zealand due to 19th-century European immigration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Felger

The surname Felger has several variations and spellings. These include Feljer, Feler, Felker, Felgner, Felchner, and Felsecker, among others. Each variation may originate from different regions or have distinct historical contexts. For instance, the German surname Felger is a metonymic occupational name for a maker of felt, while Feljer could be a variant used in certain Austrian or Czech regions. Feler could potentially be a shortened version of Felger, and Felker might represent someone who folded or mended felt. Similarly, Felgner and Felchner are German names derived from the word "fell" (fur or skin), possibly indicating a furrier or tanner by trade. Lastly, Felsecker is a German name that could have come from a place named Fels (rock) and -ecker (dweller). These variations illustrate the rich diversity in the spelling and origin of surnames like Felger.

Famous people with the last name Felger

The Felger surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, Eric Felger was a renowned drummer who performed and toured extensively with bands like Blind Melon, Gov't Mule, and the Derek Trucks Band. In the world of sports, Larry Felger is a respected sports journalist and radio personality in New York, working for WFAN Radio. In academia, Marvin Feliger is an esteemed professor emeritus of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, recognized for his research on genetics and gene therapy. Lastly, in the realm of visual arts, Roni Horn Felder, known as Roni Horn, is a celebrated conceptual artist whose works are featured in museums worldwide, including the Tate Modern and the Museum of Modern Art. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Felger

The surname Felger is of German origin, stemming from the Old High German term "Vellger," which means "sheep herder." This occupational name was common among pastoral communities in medieval Germany and has been traced back to various regions including Swabia, Bavaria, and Thuringia. Early records show that bearers of this name were predominantly rural dwellers, with some notable exceptions such as Hans Felger, a blacksmith in Nuremberg during the 15th century. The family migrated from Germany to other parts of Europe and the Americas throughout the Middle Ages and early modern periods. In North America, there are large communities of people with the surname Felger in Pennsylvania, where many German immigrants settled during the colonial period. Today, variations such as Felger, Felker, Felkner, and Vellger can be found around the world, reflecting the family's rich history and diverse spread.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Felger"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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