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Last Name Foldi

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What is the origin of the last name Foldi?

Last updated : 30 July 2025

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The surname Foldi is of Hungarian origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the male given name "Fold," which means "field" or "plain" in Hungarian. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who live…

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The meaning and origin of the last name Foldi

The surname Foldi is of Hungarian origin, derived from various geographical locations named "Fold" in Hungary. "Fold" translates to "field" or "plain" in English and refers to various places with similar names across the country. It's likely that individuals bearing this surname originally lived near one of these places. The name may have also been a topographic surname, given to someone who resided on a flat or open piece of land. Over time, variations in spelling such as Foldy, Foldi, and Voldi might have arisen due to differences in transcription and pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Foldi

The surname Foldi is predominantly found in Hungary, with the majority of its occurrences within that country. It originates from the Old Hungarian language and is derived from the word 'fold,' meaning hill or mountain. Outside of Hungary, smaller concentrations of individuals bearing the name can be found in neighboring countries such as Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia, likely due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are sporadic occurrences of the Foldi surname in countries with significant Hungarian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Foldi

The surname Foldi has several variations and spellings in different countries and regions. In Hungarian, the correct spelling is Foldi, which means "of the field" or "from the field." In English, it can be transliterated as Foldy or Foldi, although these forms are less common. Other possible spellings include Voldy or Voldy, which may arise due to phonetic interpretations or errors in translation. In Scandinavian countries, the surname Foldi might appear as Foldie or Foldy in English transcriptions. It is essential to note that these variations can sometimes result from misinterpretations and cultural differences, making it challenging to determine their original form accurately.

Famous people with the last name Foldi

Notable individuals with the surname Foldi include:

1. László Foldi (born 1964), a Hungarian athlete who competed mainly in the high jump, winning a gold medal at the 1987 World Athletics Championships and a silver medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

2. György Foldes Foldi (1930-2021), a Hungarian film director and screenwriter who is considered one of the most important figures in Hungarian animation. His works include "The Adventures of Mäuscherl" and "The Magic Ball".

3. Károly Foldi (born 1960), a Hungarian economist and politician who served as Minister of Finance from 2010 to 2014.

4. Róbert Foldes (born 1958), a Hungarian composer, arranger, and conductor known for his works in film music, classical music, and popular music. He won the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music in 2003 for "The Pianist".

5. Krisztina Foldes (born 1967), a Hungarian chess player who has been a Woman Grandmaster since 1989 and the Women's European Chess Champion in 1992.

Genealogical research on the last name Foldi

The surname Foldi is primarily of Hungarian origin and has its roots in the medieval period. The name is derived from various locations throughout Hungary, with the most notable being Foldvar, a village in Fejér County, and Foldházas, a village in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. Over time, this name has been spelled in various ways due to differences in transcription and translation, such as Foldy, Földi, and Voldy. Notable individuals bearing the surname include Lajos Földes, a Hungarian poet, and Géza Foldes, a Hungarian historian. The Foldi family has maintained a significant presence in Hungary, with many branches expanding to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to migration during the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

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 : 30 July 2025

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