Last Name Fiebich

The surname Fiebich is of German origin and is derived from a medieval occupational name for a baker. It comes from the Old High German "vuobec," which means baker or oven-keeper. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Viebach, Viebeke, Feibig, Fiebich, and others in different regions of Germany. The name could also have originated from a nickname meaning "little baker" or "apprentice baker."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fiebich

The meaning and origin of the last name Fiebich

The surname Fiebich is of German origin and is derived from a geographical name, specific to several locations in Germany. The name is believed to have originated from the region of Feilbach in Baden-Württemberg, or other similar places such as Feilbach in Hesse or Feilbach in Bavaria. The name is a compound of two Old High German words: "feih" meaning "beech tree" and "bach" meaning "brook" or "stream", referring to a location near a beech-covered brook. Over time, the spelling of the surname has been altered due to various factors such as migration, transcription errors, and regional dialects. The modern variation Fiebich is one of several spellings found among German descendants in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fiebich

The surname Fiebich has a predominantly German origin and is primarily concentrated within Germany, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia regions. Outside Germany, the distribution of the last name Fiebich is relatively low. In the United States, it is found mostly in states with significant German American communities such as Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. In Canada, Ontario and British Columbia have populations with this surname. Other countries with documented cases include Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, where immigration from Germany played a substantial role in their history. The distribution of the last name Fiebich mirrors historical patterns of German emigration, primarily to North America and more recently, to other English-speaking countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fiebich

The surname Fiebich has several variations and spelling derivatives due to differences in transliteration and transcription over time. Some common variants include: Feibig, Feibisch, Faybich, Fajbich, Fajbych, and Faybych. These variations may have originated from slight misspellings or phonetic adaptations during immigration or other historical events. Additionally, regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions can also contribute to these variants. Regardless of the specific spelling, all variations share a common etymological root, likely derived from Germanic names containing the element "fehu," meaning cattle or property.

Famous people with the last name Fiebich

One notable individual with the last name Fiebich is the German painter Wilhelm Fiebich (1853-1927). He was one of the leading painters of the Munich School, a group of artists who were influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fiebich's works are characterized by their rich colors and expressive brushstrokes. Another renowned figure is American chemist and inventor John Frederick Dahlberg Fiebish (1834-1927). He was the inventor of the photolithography process, a key technology in the printing industry. In addition, there's Uwe Fiebich, a German engineer who was involved in the development of the first three-wheeled cars for the microcar manufacturer Heinkel. These individuals demonstrate the versatility and accomplishments of people sharing the surname Fiebich across different fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Fiebich

The surname Fiebich is believed to have originated in Germany and is derived from the Old High German "vito" meaning life or living, and "beah" meaning bee. Variations of this name include Feibeck, Viebach, and Veibach. The name was brought to America by immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and other Mid-Atlantic states due to the region's historical ties with Germany. Notable individuals bearing the name Fiebich include William Fiebich, a German chemist known for his work in physical chemistry, and Ed Fiebish, an American football player. Genealogical records show that the name has maintained its German spelling throughout its history, with slight variations due to transcription errors or regional dialects.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fiebich"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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