The surname Focher is of French origin. It is derived from various places in France that bear this name, such as Foches in Calvados and Fouchères in Orne, both located in the Normandy region. The name is thought to have been originally derived from the Old Norse personal name Fókir or Fókur, which was brought to France by Viking invaders. Over time, the spelling evolved into the modern form of Focher as it became a surname.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Focher
The meaning and origin of the last name Focher
The surname Focher is of French origin, derived from various places named Foix or Fauchers in France. The name Foix refers to several locations, most notably Foix, a town in the Occitanie region, and Foix-Tarn, a canton in Haute-Garonne. These places are associated with the Counts of Foix, a medieval noble family who ruled over various territories in southern France.
The surname Focher could also have originated from the occupational name "Faucher," meaning "one who clears land of underbrush using a fauchou, a type of scythe." The term "faucheur" is derived from the Old French "fauchier," which comes from the verb "faucher," to cut or mow. Over time, the spelling evolved into Focher as it was passed down through generations.
Geographical distribution of the last name Focher
The last name Focher is predominantly found in France, with significant concentrations in regions such as the Rhône-Alpes and Aquitaine. Historically, it's believed to have originated from the town of Foix in the Occitanie region. However, the name has also been found in Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada due to historical migrations and settlements. In the United States, the surname is primarily concentrated in Louisiana, possibly a result of French colonial influence. While the distribution is predominantly European, there are also minor occurrences in South America and Australia, reflecting global migration patterns over time.
Variants and spellings of the last name Focher
The surname Focher has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions over time and across different regions. Some common variations include Foher, Fochar, Faucher, Fouquer, Foucher, and Fauchier. These variations may arise from changes in spelling during historical migrations or through the influence of local dialects. Additionally, the name could have multiple origins; it might be a variant of French surnames derived from occupations such as "fouquier" (bailiff), "fauconnier" (hawker, falconer), or "faucheur" (mower). It's essential to note that the exact origin and spelling of the name can depend on specific family histories.
Famous people with the last name Focher
Notable individuals bearing the surname Focher include:
1. John Henry Foucher (1867-1929), an American jazz trombonist and bandleader who was considered one of the pioneers in developing jazz music from New Orleans style to a more sophisticated form.
2. Jean Baptiste Focher de la Grand'Miere (1750-1834), a French naval officer who fought during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, rising to become a vice admiral.
3. Jules Foucher (born 1986), a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly since 2017. He is a member of La République En Marche! party.
4. David Foucher (born 1966), a Canadian powerlifter and strongman competitor, who is a five-time winner of the World's Strongest Man competition.
Genealogical research on the last name Focher
The Focher surname is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French "fochar," meaning "ploughman" or "farmer." Early records show that the name was originally spelled various ways, including Fochaers, Fochar, and Foher, indicating a possible Norman influence.
One notable figure with this surname is Ferdinand Foch, a prominent French military officer who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies during World War I. He was instrumental in negotiating the Armistice with Germany in 1918.
The Focher family can be traced back to the region of Normandy, where they were peasants and landowners from the Middle Ages. The surname spread throughout France and Belgium during the migration period following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
Today, the distribution of the Focher surname remains primarily in France, but it can also be found in various countries with French settlers, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname continues to uncover its historical roots and evolution over time.
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