Last Name Felson

Learn more about the origin of the last name Felson

The meaning and origin of the last name Felson

The surname Felson is of Jewish origin, specifically Ashkenazic (Eastern European) Jewish, with roots dating back to medieval Germany and Eastern Europe. It is a variant of the name Phillips or Filshel, derived from the Hebrew name "Pinchas," meaning "deliverance." In some cases, it may also be associated with the German word "Vogel" (bird), indicating that an early ancestor was considered as agile and lively as a bird. Over time, due to migration, assimilation, and changes in spelling based on regional dialects, various spellings such as Felson, Fessler, Feussner, etc., have arisen. The name has been common among Jewish communities in Europe, particularly Germany, Russia, and Poland, and subsequently spread around the world due to Jewish diaspora events like the expulsion from Spain (1492), the Chmielnicki Massacres (1648-1651), and the Russian pogroms (late 19th and early 20th centuries).

Geographical distribution of the last name Felson

The surname Felson is predominantly found in Jewish communities, with significant concentrations in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Russia. It also has a presence in other countries like the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, as a result of migrations and diaspora events such as the Holocaust and Jewish immigration to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations of Felson can be found in New York and other major urban areas with significant historical Jewish populations. The name is less common in other parts of the world but can still be found in countries like Australia, Canada, and South Africa, primarily among Jewish communities or as a result of later immigration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Felson

The surname Felson has several variants and spellings, reflecting its historical origins and potential regional or family-specific adaptations. Some common versions include Felson, Felsson, Fellson, Feelson, and Phillipsen (due to possible anglicization). Additionally, it may have variations based on the country of origin, such as Felsøn in Scandinavian countries, Fèlsön in Hungarian, or Felsson in German. These alterations can be caused by factors like translation errors, phonetic changes over time, or differences in historical spelling conventions. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily imply different ancestry or origins for individuals bearing the name; they simply reflect how the surname has evolved through history.

Famous people with the last name Felson

Notable individuals with the surname Felson include:

1. Albert J. Felson (1926-2018), an American physician and medical researcher who was a pioneer in the field of rheumatology, particularly in the study of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases. He coined the term "morbus Bechterew" (Behcet's disease) and developed the Felson-Woodbury score for assessing the severity of ankylosing spondylitis.

2. Dan Fogelberg (1951-2007), an American singer-songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist who was known for his ballads and folk-rock melodies. His most successful albums include "Souvenirs," "River of Dreams," and "The Innocent Age." Fogelberg was also a skilled painter and authored several books.

3. David A. Felson (1962-present), an American physician, epidemiologist, and Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. His research focuses on osteoarthritis, with a particular emphasis on weight management, exercise, and the role of genetics in osteoarthritis development.

4. Ethel Felson (1908-1997), an American psychologist who was one of the first to study group dynamics and the psychology of aggression. She conducted research on intergroup conflicts during World War II and served as a consultant for the U.S. military. Her work has been influential in understanding prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination.

5. Marvin Felson (1947-present), an American sociologist and criminologist who is best known for his research on crime and aging. He has served as the President of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and holds several academic positions at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His work has helped shape policy regarding elder abuse and neglect.

Genealogical research on the last name Felson

The surname Felson is of Ashkenazic Jewish origin, primarily found in Eastern Europe and later migrated to other parts of the world due to historical events such as the Expulsions from Spain (1492) and the Russian Pogroms (late 19th - early 20th centuries). The name is a variation of the Jewish occupational name "Fishler," meaning a dealer in fish. Notable individuals with this surname include Isaac Felson, an American rabbi and author who served as the spiritual leader of Congregation B'nai Israel in Providence, Rhode Island, and David Felson, a prominent epidemiologist and researcher in the field of chronic disease prevention and control. Genealogical records suggest that the earliest known bearers of the name resided in Poland and Russia, with subsequent migrations to the United States, Canada, and other countries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Further research can be conducted through online databases such as Ancestry, MyHeritage, and JewishGen.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Felson"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 12 June 2025