Last Name Fogel

The surname Fogel has origins that can be traced to several European countries including Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. In Germanic languages, "Fogel" translates to "bird," while in Scandinavian, it means "fog." It is possible that early bearers of this surname may have lived near a bird sanctuary or a foggy area, which helped them identify themselves easily. However, the exact origin can vary depending on individual family histories and regional influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fogel

The meaning and origin of the last name Fogel

The surname Fogel is of Germanic and Scandinavian origin, stemming from the Old Norse word 'fogalr' or the Middle High German term 'vogel', both meaning "bird" or "fowl". Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways including Fogle, Vogel, Fogell, and Fogiel, reflecting its widespread use across Northern Europe. The surname Fogel was brought to different regions by migrating Germanic tribes, Vikings, and Jewish families during medieval times. As a patronymic name, it often denoted a relationship to someone associated with birds or bird-like creatures. Today, the name Fogel is predominantly found among Jewish communities in Europe and the United States, as well as among Scandinavian populations in Nordic countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fogel

The surname Fogel is primarily distributed across various countries with significant Jewish populations, reflecting its origins from the Ashkenazi Jewish community. A high concentration of individuals bearing this surname can be found in the United States, particularly in states like New York, California, and Florida, where large communities of Jewish descent reside. The name is also prevalent in Israel, due to the historical migration of Jews from Europe following World War II. Additionally, smaller clusters of Fogels can be found in European countries such as Germany, France, Russia, and Poland. In summary, while the distribution of the Fogel surname is widespread among Jewish communities, significant populations reside primarily in the United States and Israel.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fogel

The surname Fogel has several variations and spellings worldwide, due to differences in transcription and translation. Some common spelling variations of the name Fogel include Fogle, Fogler, Fogal, Vogel, Vogler, and Vogal. These variations stem from different regional pronunciations and orthographic practices. In some cases, a single letter may be added or removed to accommodate local phonetic conventions. For instance, in certain regions of Germany, the "v" sound is often represented as a "f," making Vogel appear as Fogel. Similarly, in Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Norway, where the letter 'å' (pronounced as 'a') might be used instead of 'o,' the surname Fogel can also appear as Fogål or Fogal. Ultimately, these variations reflect the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity across the globe.

Famous people with the last name Fogel

The Fogel surname has produced notable figures across various fields. Notable among them is Robert K. Fogel, an American economist who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1993 for his work on the relationship between economics and history, particularly regarding the role of railroads in the economic growth of the United States. In literature, there's Joyce Carol Oates, a prolific American author, critic, and professor known for her novels "Them" and "Blonde," often exploring themes of violence, identity, and the human condition. In music, Glenn Fogel is a renowned figure as the President and CEO of CTS Eventim, one of the world's largest live entertainment companies. Lastly, in sports, there's Steve Fogel, an American baseball coach who served as pitching coach for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, are significant representatives of the Fogel surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Fogel

The surname Fogel, of German and Scandinavian origin, is derived from the Old Norse word 'fogl' meaning falcon or bird of prey, and the Middle High German term 'vogeal,' which also means falcon. This name was originally an occupational surname for a falconer or a person who lived near such a place. The earliest recorded instance of the Fogel family can be traced back to Germany in the 13th century, with branches also appearing in Scandinavia around the same time. Throughout history, the Fogel family has been found in notable events and migrations across Europe, including the German Reformation, the Swedish migration to America in the late 17th century, and the Jewish Diaspora from Eastern Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The most prominent Fogels include Rabbi Isaac Samuel Fogel, who led the Amsterdam Portuguese-Jewish community in the 18th century, and Leo Fogel, an American painter and illustrator known for his work with Disney Studios during the Golden Age of Animation.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fogel"
• 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 June 2025

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