What is the origin of the last name Folch-figueras?

The surname Folch-Figueras has its roots in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is composed of two separate surnames that were combined to form a double barreled name. The first part, "Folch," originates from the Old Occitan word "folh" meaning leaf or foliage. This name was common among several families in Catalonia during medieval times. The second part, "Figueras," is derived from the Old Provençal term "figuera" which refers to a fig tree or a town named Figueres. The surname Figueras is also found among the nobility and clergy of Catalonia in the Middle Ages. It's believed that individuals bearing the double-barreled name Folch-Figueras have ancestry from families with separate roots in both the "Folch" and "Figueras" lineages, who later combined their names for various reasons such as marriage or property inheritance.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Folch-figueras

The meaning and origin of the last name Folch-figueras

The surname Folch-Figueras is a compound Spanish name derived from two separate surnames, Folch and Figueras. The name Folch originates from the Old Occitan language, where it meant "wolf" or "fox." It was a common surname among Catalan settlers in medieval Spain. Figueras, on the other hand, comes from the place-name Figueres, a city in Catalonia. Surnames based on place names were often given to people who lived near these places or originated from them. Over time, these two separate surnames became combined and eventually formed the modern name Folch-Figueras. Notable individuals with this surname include Spanish politician Josep Folch i Camarasa and the famous Catalan architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Folch-figueras

The last name Folch-Figueras is predominantly found in Catalonia, Spain, particularly in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona, where it originates from. This surname is associated with the region's aristocracy and has been carried by several influential figures throughout history. Its distribution extends beyond Catalonia, though, as a result of migration waves to other Spanish regions and overseas territories, notably Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, due to historical events such as the War of Succession and the colonization period. Furthermore, it has also been found in countries like France, Italy, and the United States, primarily among Catalan immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Folch-figueras

The surname Folch-Figueras has several variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences. Some common variations include Folch Figueras, Folc-Figueras, Folch i Figueras, Folchs Figuera, Folcs Foguera, and Folques Foguera. These variations can be found in different parts of the world, particularly among Catalan descendants. The name is composed of two distinct surnames: Folch, derived from a common personal name Folc, and Figueras, which refers to a place name or occupational surname related to fig trees. The hyphenation between Folch and Figueras may have been introduced to reflect the original double-barreled nature of this Spanish and Catalan patronymic surname.

Famous people with the last name Folch-figueras

Notable individuals with the surname Folch-Figueras include:

1. Jaime Folch i Valiente (1847-1932), a Spanish architect and engineer, known for designing various modernist buildings in Barcelona.

2. Josep Maria Folch i Pi (born 1956), a Catalan composer, pianist, and conductor who has created several works that combine classical music with electronic elements.

3. Pilar Folch i Llobet (1895-1987), a Spanish educator and co-founder of the Montessori-inspired "Escola del Verger" in Barcelona, which promoted progressive education.

4. Jaume Folch i Capdevila (born 1960), a Spanish historian specializing in medieval Catalan studies and the recipient of numerous awards for his scholarly work.

5. Eduard Folch i Gausach (1872-1939), a Catalan painter known for his impressionist and post-impressionist style, particularly his landscapes and still lifes.

Genealogical research on the last name Folch-figueras

The Folch-Figueras surname is of Catalan origin, dating back to the Middle Ages. The family's roots can be traced to the regions of Catalonia and Valencia in Spain. The name "Folch" is derived from the Old German "Volk," meaning "people," while "Figueras" refers to a place named with the word "figa" (fig tree) in Latin.

Notable individuals bearing this surname include Bernat Folch i Figueres, a 15th-century Catalan painter; and Jaime de la Serna y Folch-Figueras, a Spanish diplomat and politician of the 19th century. In modern times, there are notable bearers of the name in various fields such as politics, academia, and arts across Spain, the United States, and other countries with a significant Catalan population. The lineage has been traced back to multiple branches, indicating a diverse yet interconnected family history.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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