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Last Name Fluckiger

What is the origin of the last name Fluckiger?

The surname Flückiger is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. It is derived from a place name and refers to someone who lived in a settlement called Flücki or Flückihütten. The name "Flücki" might have come from the word "Flucke," which means fluke or flatfish in Middle High German. The suffix "-er" was often added to occupational names, nicknames, or names derived from place names to indicate that the person belonged to a particular profession, group, or location. In this case, Flückiger may have originally referred to someone who lived near a settlement called Flücki or had some association with it. It's also worth noting that there are variations of the name, such as Flecker, Flügger, and Fluck, which may have developed due to dialectical differences, spelling errors, or migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fluckiger

The meaning and origin of the last name Fluckiger

The surname Flückiger is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking region of Switzerland. It derives from the Old High German word "Fluoch," which means "little bird" or "sparrow," and the Old French suffix "-ier," denoting a profession or occupation. Over time, this name likely evolved to signify someone who had a specific role related to birds or lived near a place where sparrows were abundant. The variation of spellings such as Flückiger, Flukeger, Flueckiger, and Fleuchiger may be due to variations in transliteration and regional dialects over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fluckiger

The surname Fluckiger is primarily found in Swiss-German regions, with a significant concentration in the canton of Bern and its surrounding areas. It originates from the town of Flückigen, located in the Emmental district of Bern. However, variations such as Fleckiger or Flügger can also be found in other parts of Switzerland. Beyond Switzerland, there are some instances of this surname in neighboring countries like Germany and Austria, likely due to historical migration patterns. In North America, there is a small but noticeable presence of individuals with the last name Fluckiger, particularly in regions with high Swiss-American populations, such as parts of the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fluckiger

The surname Fluckiger can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration across different regions and time periods. Some common variants include Flückiger, Flueckiger, Flükiger, and Fleugel. These variations stem from the original Germanic name that likely meant "little flyer" or "little flier." In addition, there may be regional differences such as Swiss-German dialectal variations, with some families using spelling conventions more common in Switzerland. It is always best to consult reliable genealogical resources for the most accurate information regarding individual families and their specific surname spellings.

Famous people with the last name Fluckiger

Notable individuals with the surname Flückiger include:

1. Andreas Flückiger (born 1964), a Swiss former professional road bicycle racer who competed as a professional between 1987 and 2003. He won several prestigious races, including the Swiss National Road Race Championship in 1995.

2. Daniel Flückiger (born 1982), a Swiss professional ice hockey player who currently plays for HC Ambrì-Piotta of the Swiss National League (NLA). He previously played for teams such as EV Zug and HC Lugano in the NLA, as well as for Kölner Haie in Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

3. Elise Flückiger (born 1990), a Swiss freestyle skier who specializes in the halfpipe event. She represented Switzerland at the 2014 Winter Olympics and won bronze medals in the halfpipe event at the FIS World Championships in 2015 and 2017.

4. Marcel Flückiger (born 1963), a Swiss former professional road bicycle racer who competed as a professional between 1986 and 1999. He won several major races, including two editions of the Tour de Suisse in 1990 and 1992.

Genealogical research on the last name Fluckiger

The surname Flückiger originates from Switzerland and is primarily found in the canton of Bern. The name is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "flücke," meaning a small bird or finch, and the suffix "-ger" indicating a profession. It likely referred to someone who raised or kept these birds for food or other purposes. Notable individuals with this surname include Johann Ulrich Flückiger (1726-1798), a Swiss theologian, and Johannes Flückiger (1863-1943), a Swiss painter. The family is also known to have migrated to North America in the 19th century, with many settling in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

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 : 29 July 2025

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