The surname Fibiger is of Danish origin. It comes from the Old Norse personal name "Fifir" and the diminutive suffix "-son," which means "son of Fifir." Over time, the spelling has evolved, with variations such as Fiebiger or Fieber (German) and Phibbs (English). The name is predominantly found among Danish and Scandinavian populations but may also be encountered in other countries due to migration.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Fibiger
The meaning and origin of the last name Fibiger
The surname Fibiger is of Danish origin, specifically derived from the Old Norse "fjóðr" and the Middle Low German "beke," both translating to "river." Over time, it evolved into "Fibicher," which later became "Fibiger." Historically, this name was likely given to individuals who lived near or by a river. The first recorded spelling of the surname Fibiger can be traced back to Denmark in the late Middle Ages. Today, it is predominantly found among Danish populations but has also been carried by immigrants from Denmark to other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia.
Geographical distribution of the last name Fibiger
The last name Fibiger has a significant presence in Denmark, reflecting its Danish origins. According to data from the 2018 Danish Census, it is among the top 3,000 most common surnames in Denmark, with approximately 4,766 bearers. The name also has a presence in other Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden, but in much smaller numbers compared to Denmark. Outside of Scandinavia, the Fibiger name is sparsely distributed. In the United States, for instance, it is found mostly among Danish immigrants or their descendants, particularly in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, where Danish communities are historically concentrated. While the Fibiger name is predominantly Danish, its dispersal reflects historical migration patterns of Danish immigrants across the globe.
Variants and spellings of the last name Fibiger
The surname Fibiger has several variations and spellings. These include Fibeger, Fibejer, Fiebeger, Fiebiger, Viebiger, Fiehberger, Fiebichger, Fiebhager, and Fiebicher. Some of these variations may arise due to regional dialects or transcription errors over time. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on personal preference, family history, or specific cultural traditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all possible variations when conducting genealogical research related to this surname.
Famous people with the last name Fibiger
Notable individuals bearing the surname Fibiger include:
1. Jens Alfred Fibiger (1898-1960), a Danish veterinarian and physician, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1926 for his discovery of Helminthiasis bursae in rabbits as a cause of cancer in that species.
2. Carl August Thiele Fibiger (1867-1930), a Danish bacteriologist, known for his work on the epidemiology and control of tuberculosis. He was instrumental in establishing the first state tuberculosis clinic in Denmark.
3. Morten Peter Fibiger (born 1959), a Danish astrophysicist, currently serving as the Director General of European Southern Observatory (ESO). He is known for his research on galaxy evolution and active galactic nuclei.
4. Knud Erik Rasmussen Fibiger (1887-1970), a Danish naval officer and explorer who participated in four expeditions to Greenland, including the Thule Expedition of 1912-1918. He also served as Governor of Greenland from 1945 to 1953.
Genealogical research on the last name Fibiger
The surname Fibiger originates from Denmark and is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Fbiörgr," which means "battle-fighter." The earliest known records of the Fibiger family date back to the 16th century in Jutland, Denmark. Notable members include Hans Peter Fibiger (1720–1804), a Danish military officer and governor of Tranquebar in India during the Danish colonial era. A later notable member is Carl Richard Fibiger (1853-1903), a Danish physician who made significant contributions to the field of dermatology, specifically in leprosy research. The Fibiger family expanded throughout Denmark and into other parts of Europe, with branches also found in the United States and Canada due to emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the surname Fibiger remains predominantly in Scandinavia but can be found worldwide among descendants of Danish immigrants.
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.
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