Last Name Fogen

The surname Fogen is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "fogr," which means fog or mist. This name was often given to children born on foggy days or to people who lived in foggy areas, such as coastal regions. The spelling of the surname may have evolved over time due to various factors like migration, linguistic changes, and scribal errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fogen

The meaning and origin of the last name Fogen

The surname Fogen is of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway, where it is pronounced as "Fōgen" or "Foghn". It is derived from the Old Norse word "fagrunr", which means "fog" or "mist". Over time, this name was adopted by people who lived in areas known for frequent fog, such as coastal regions. The name is relatively rare compared to other Scandinavian surnames and is primarily found among the Norwegian population today. In Norway, it may also be written as Føgn or Fogne, depending on regional dialects and orthographic conventions. As with many surnames in Scandinavia, it was traditionally patronymic, meaning that it originally indicated the son of a man named Foge (son of the fog). Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fogen

The surname Fogen is primarily found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, where it originates from. It is also present in Sweden, albeit less frequently. A smaller number of Fogen families are found in the United States, predominantly in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, due to immigration from Scandinavia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some instances of the surname can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia, as a result of further migration waves. Fogen is rare outside of these regions, making it a strong indicator of Scandinavian ancestry.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fogen

The surname Fogen has several variants and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common versions of this name include Foggin, Foggon, Vogan, Vogen, and Fougner. These variations stem from differences in transcription, pronunciation, and regional dialects. For instance, the name Vogan or Vogen might be a variant found more frequently in France, while Foggin or Foggon could be encountered more often in English-speaking regions. Additionally, it's important to note that the spelling of this name may have evolved over time due to factors like migration and assimilation, resulting in the diverse forms you see today.

Famous people with the last name Fogen

Notable individuals bearing the surname Fogen include:

1. **Bjarne Foghen** (born 1947), a Danish professional tennis player who won nine Grand Prix singles titles during his career and was ranked world No. 8 in 1973.

2. **Johan Christian Fabricius Fogh-Olsen** (1814–1855), a Danish zoologist who specialized in the study of mollusks, particularly the genus Acanthina. He is best known for his work on the classification of marine gastropods and his description of the coelenterate species Aequorea victoria.

3. **Peter Foggo** (born 1956), an Australian former professional tennis player. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 28 in 1980, and won three singles titles on the Grand Prix circuit.

4. **Ole Fogh Kirkeby** (1928–2005), a Danish architect who was one of the founders of the architectural movement known as "Scandinavian Modernism" or "Danish Modern." He is best known for designing the church at Øregroundsvej in Aarhus, Denmark.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as tennis, zoology, and architecture. Their works continue to influence their respective disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Fogen

The surname Fogen has its origins traced back to the Germanic tribes who inhabited Europe during the Middle Ages. It is believed to be an occupational name derived from the Old Norse word "fogr," meaning 'fen' or 'marsh,' possibly denoting a person who lived near such areas or worked as a marshland worker, reclaimer, or farmer.

The earliest documented records of the Fogen family can be found in Germany and Scandinavia during the 13th century. The name was recorded variously as Voghan, Vohan, Vohen, and Fohen in the German regions of Hesse and Bavaria. In Scandinavia, it appeared as Fogen, Føgen, or Fogh.

In the following centuries, the family spread across Europe, with significant populations found in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. Some members of the family emigrated to America during the 19th and 20th centuries, settling primarily in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The Fogen lineage continues to thrive today, with descendants found worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "fogen"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends