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Last Name Fok

What is the origin of the last name Fok?

The surname Fok has roots in various cultures, but it is most commonly associated with Scandinavian and German origins. In Scandinavia, Fok is a variation of the Old Norse personal name Folki or Forbi. Folki means "follower" or "companion," while Forbi may have meant "ruler" or "master." These names were often used as patronymic surnames, indicating that they belonged to the son of a man named Folki or Forbi. In German-speaking regions, Fok is also a short form of various personal names ending in -of, such as Rudolf, Friedrich, or Heinrich. It's worth noting that due to historical migration and cultural exchange, the name may have spread across Europe and beyond over time, taking on different meanings and origins along the way. As always, it's essential to consider that surnames can have multiple sources, and the specific origin of a particular Fok family might differ based on their specific history and location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fok

The meaning and origin of the last name Fok

The surname Fok originates from Scandinavian roots, specifically Norway and Denmark. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Norse word 'fokr', which means 'carpenter' or 'woodworker'. Over time, as migration and linguistic assimilation occurred, various spellings of this name emerged in different regions. In English-speaking countries, the name has been anglicized to Fok, among other variations such as Folk, Fock, and Fuchs. The surname's dissemination can be attributed to the widespread need for carpenters during the Middle Ages, making it a relatively common Scandinavian name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fok

The surname Fok is primarily found in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in China and Hong Kong, where it originates from the Hakka ethnic group. Variants such as Fa, Faak, Fook, and Fuog are also found. The name has spread due to migration, with significant populations in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United States, often resulting from historical Chinese immigration waves. In recent times, members of the Fok family have also settled in other parts of the world, such as Australia, Canada, and Europe, further dispersing this last name across various geographical locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fok

The surname Fok has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Fok - This is the original Dutch spelling, which is the origin of the name.
2. Vok - A variation that originated from the Dutch spelling, primarily found among individuals with Dutch ancestry.
3. Fuchs - The German translation of the surname, pronounced similarly to Fok in English.
4. Fox - An Anglicized version of the Dutch and German spellings, which is quite common in English-speaking countries.
5. Vox - A less common variation that might have originated from the Latinization of one or more of the aforementioned forms.
6. Fook - An alternative spelling found among Chinese speakers, especially those with Cantonese dialect backgrounds.
7. Fouk - Another variation found in some regions, primarily among individuals with Dutch ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Fok

The Fok family is relatively less prominent compared to other surnames in the context of global celebrity. However, there are notable figures with the last name Fok. Notable among them is Jan Fokker (1898-1972), a Dutch aviation pioneer who founded the Fokker Aircraft factory and designed numerous aircraft models during the early 20th century. In the world of music, Peter Fokine (1885-1942) was a renowned Russian ballet dancer and choreographer, known for his work with Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Lastly, in politics, Hedy Fokkens (born 1950), a Dutch politician, served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2019.

Genealogical research on the last name Fok

The surname Fok, variants include Vok, Voik, and Foek, is primarily of Dutch origin and has been traced back to the Middle Ages. It derives from a nickname meaning 'fox' in Old Dutch. Early records show that the name was common among the Frisians, a Germanic people living in Northern Netherlands and coastal regions of Germany and Denmark. Over time, the Fok family migrated, with some members settling in the British Isles during the early modern period. The name is also found in Scandinavia due to Viking invasions and colonization, where it may have a different etymology, potentially related to a place name or personal name. Notable individuals with the surname Fok include Gerrit Jan de Vries Fokker, a Dutch aviation pioneer who founded the Fokker aircraft manufacturing company in the early 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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