Last Name Fogal

The surname Fogal is believed to have Germanic origins. It is thought to derive from the Old High German word "fogal" which means "bird." This could have been an occupational surname for someone who cared for birds or perhaps a nickname for someone who was birdlike in some way.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fogal

The meaning and origin of the last name Fogal

The surname Fogal is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the Middle High German word "vogel," meaning bird. The name may have originally been a nickname for someone who resembled a bird in some way, such as in appearance or behavior. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with birds, such as a falconer or birdcatcher. The name may have also been a topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent bird-related feature, such as a bird sanctuary or nesting ground. Overall, the surname Fogal likely has a connection to birds in some form, either through physical characteristics, occupation, or proximity to bird habitats. Today, the surname Fogal is relatively rare and is found mainly in German-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fogal

The last name Fogal has its highest concentration in the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. There are also significant numbers of individuals with the last name Fogal in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta. In Europe, the surname is most commonly found in Germany, specifically in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. There are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Fogal in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Brazil. The distribution of the last name Fogal suggests a primarily Germanic origin, with the name likely originating in Germany and spreading to other countries through migration and immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fogal

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Famous people with the last name Fogal

There are no widely known famous individuals with the last name Fogal. The name Fogal is not a common surname and does not appear to be associated with any notable public figures or celebrities. It is possible that there are individuals with the last name Fogal who have achieved success in their respective fields, but they have not reached the level of fame or recognition that would make them widely known to the general public. Despite the lack of well-known individuals with this surname, it is important to remember that fame does not define a person's worth or accomplishments, and there are countless individuals with lesser-known last names who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions.

Genealogical research on the last name Fogal

The surname Fogal is of German origin and is believed to be derived from the Old High German personal name Vogel, meaning "bird." The name may have been used as a nickname for someone who resembled a bird in some way or worked as a bird catcher or bird keeper. The Fogal family is likely to have originated in Germany and spread to other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland and Austria, over time. Genealogical research on the Fogal surname may reveal family connections to individuals with similar surnames, such as Fogle, Vogle, and Vogl. Further investigation into historical records, such as census data, church registers, and immigration records, may help in tracing the roots of the Fogal family and uncovering more about their lineage and heritage.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fogal"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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