Last Name Fogelsdorf

The surname Fogelsdorf is of German origin. It is derived from a place name and indicates that an individual once lived in or near a village named Fogelsdorf, which can be found in several regions of Germany, including Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The place name likely comes from the Old High German 'fugol' meaning bird and 'dorf' meaning village or settlement, so it may have referred to a settlement where birds were raised. As with many surnames, it was common for people to take their place of origin as their surname when they moved to a new location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fogelsdorf

The meaning and origin of the last name Fogelsdorf

The surname Fogelsdorf is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland region. It is derived from a place name, indicating that the original bearer of this family name likely lived in or near a village called Fogelsdorf. In Old High German, "fogel" means "bird" and "dorf" means "village," so Fogelsdorf would translate to "Bird Village." The surname developed as a way for people to distinguish themselves from others living in the same area, often taking their identity from the place they lived. Over time, variations of this name emerged due to spelling changes and regional dialects. Today, Fogelsdorf is still found among German-speaking populations and its distribution has been influenced by historical events such as migration and the formation of new settlements.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fogelsdorf

The surname Fogelsdorf is predominantly found in Germany and its surrounding regions, with a significant concentration in the Rhineland-Palatinate state. According to genealogical databases, the town of Fogelsberg, now part of Bad Sobernheim, is believed to be the origin of this last name. The surname spread from there to other parts of Germany, particularly Westphalia and Bavaria, due to historical events such as migration and population shifts. Emigration from Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries led to a presence of Fogelsdorfs in various parts of North America, including the United States and Canada. There are also small numbers of individuals with this surname in other European countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, as well as Israel, due to historical events like the Holocaust.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fogelsdorf

The surname Fogelsdorf has several variations and spellings due to factors such as transliteration, transcription errors, and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Fogelstorf, Fogelshart, Fogelhardt, Fogelshoft, Fogelshof, Fogelsdorff, Fogeldorf, Fogelstorff, Fogelstoff, and Fogelstot. These variations may arise from different translations of the original German name, which is derived from 'fogel' meaning 'bird' and 'dorf' meaning 'village'. It is important to note that these variations can often lead to confusion in genealogy research, making it essential for individuals with this surname to be aware of the possible variants when conducting family history investigations.

Famous people with the last name Fogelsdorf

The Fogelsdorf surname has been associated with notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is David Fogelsdorf, an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the study of mathematical logic and set theory. In the realm of art, Gunnar Fogelsdorf, a Norwegian painter, is known for his expressionist works that have been exhibited internationally. On the political front, Rita Fogelsdorf served as the first female Mayor of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, during the 1970s and advocated for women's rights and environmental conservation. In sports, Mark Fogelsong, a professional baseball player, played for several Major League Baseball teams throughout his career. Lastly, in the field of literature, John Jacob Fogelsong, an author and historian, is recognized for his works on Texas history. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and influence of those bearing the surname Fogelsdorf.

Genealogical research on the last name Fogelsdorf

The surname Fogelsdorf is of German origin, derived from a place name meaning "foggy forest" in Middle High German. The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the 14th century in Saxony, Germany. Over time, several branches and variants of the Fogelsdorf family emerged due to migrations and name spellings variations.

One notable branch is the Fogelsdorff family from Prussia, who were aristocrats and served in various roles during the Kingdom of Prussia. Another lineage moved to Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and later to Austria, contributing members to the Habsburg court and Austrian nobility.

In the United States, German immigrants bearing the Fogelsdorf surname settled primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name continues to be prevalent in these regions as well as across the country, with variations such as Fogelstroh, Vogelsdorff, and Vogelsdorf arising due to phonetic adaptations.

Current genealogical research focuses on connecting distant relatives, verifying family trees, and uncovering more details about the origins and experiences of the Fogelsdorf family throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fogelsdorf"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends