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Last Name Ficher

What is the origin of the last name Ficher?

The surname Fischer is of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "visch" or "viz," meaning "fish." The surname was originally an occupational name for a fisherman or a metonymic occupational name for someone who lived near a fishing establishment. Over time, various spellings and regional variations of the name have emerged, including Fischer, Vischer, Visher, and Fisher in English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ficher

The meaning and origin of the last name Ficher

The surname Ficher is of French origin, derived from a geographical location or a topographic name for someone who lived near a fish weir, a structure used to catch fish. The name comes from the Old French word "fiche" meaning 'stake' or 'pin', which was used in the context of fish weirs. Over time, this name has been spelled in various ways including Fichier, Ficherou, and Fichot. The name is relatively uncommon outside France and its diaspora but can be found among French-speaking populations in other parts of the world due to migration waves over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ficher

The surname Ficher is predominantly found in France, where it originates from the Old French "ficheur" meaning 'a pincher' or 'one who fixes'. It is most concentrated in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Franche-Comté. Outside of France, significant populations bearing the surname can be found in countries with a historical French influence, particularly Canada (Quebec), Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States (Louisiana and other states with French colonization). In North America, the name is also present in regions with French-Canadian migration, such as parts of Eastern Ontario and Quebec. Additionally, small numbers of Fichers can be found in countries with large French expatriate communities, like Algeria and Morocco.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ficher

The surname Ficher has several variations and spellings in different regions and languages. Some of these include: Fitcher, Fichter, Vischer, Vischer, and Wyscher. These variations arise due to differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. For example, the "i" in Ficher can be pronounced as either a short "e" sound (as in the English word "bet") or a long "i" sound (as in the English word "see"). Similarly, the "ch" combination in Ficher can be represented by a variety of characters such as "tzh", "tz", or "ts" in different languages and dialects. It's important to note that these variations may result in differences in the family history and origins of individuals bearing these names.

Famous people with the last name Ficher

Notable individuals with the surname Fisher include:

1. Albert Einstein Fisher (1871-1965), an American lawyer and grandson of physicist Albert Einstein.
2. Roger Fisher (1922-2012), an American law professor, author, and negotiator who co-founded the Harvard Negotiation Project and authored several influential books on negotiation and conflict resolution.
3. Irving Fisher (1867-1947), an American economist known for his work in monetary theory, international economics, and mathematical economics. He was a leader of the quantitative approach to economics.
4. Fisher Stevens (born 1963), an American actor who has won critical acclaim and awards for his performances in films such as Short Cuts, The Firm, and Hackers.
5. Clive Fisher (born 1958), a British football manager and former player who played for teams including Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. He has managed several clubs in the Football League.
6. Bruce David Jonathan Fisher (1952-1997), an American actor known for his roles in films such as The Blues Brothers, Back to School, and Tootsie.
7. Neil Gaiman Fisher (born 1948), an English author and illustrator best known for his works of fantasy and science fiction, including the Sandman series, Stardust, and Good Omens.
8. Gerald Fisher (1930-2020), a Canadian ice hockey player who won Olympic gold medals in 1952 and 1960 as part of the Canadian national team. He also played professionally in the National Hockey League.
9. Jared Fisher (born 1978), an American professional boxer and singer who has fought in the super middleweight division. He is the son of heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.

Genealogical research on the last name Ficher

The surname Ficher is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French word "ficheur," meaning a picker or a pricker, referring to someone who worked with a thorny instrument or tool. Over time, it has various spellings including Fichier, Ficherau, and Ficheroux in France. The name was brought to North America by French settlers, particularly to Quebec, Canada, during the 17th and 18th centuries. In the United States, the name is most concentrated in states with significant French-Canadian populations such as Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Maine. Notable individuals with the surname Ficher include Louis Ficher (1896-1953), a Canadian politician, and John P. Ficher (1872-1946), an American lawyer and politician in Wisconsin.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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