Last Name Folea

The surname Folea has its origins in various countries, with different root meanings depending on the region. In Romania, the name Folea is derived from a geographical location or topographic feature (such as a hill or meadow) and was often given to someone who lived near such a place. In Italy, the name could be a variant of Folengo, which is associated with several towns in different regions of the country. The name Folengo is derived from the personal name Folco, a short form of names containing the Germanic element "wolf" (as in Waldo, Wulfgar). In other regions, such as Albania and Moldova, the name Folea could have different origins, potentially related to local dialects or historical contexts. It's always best to consult regional genealogical resources for a more accurate origin when researching specific family lineages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Folea

The meaning and origin of the last name Folea

The surname Folea is primarily of Romanian origin, stemming from the Old Romanian word "fălă" which means "wolf". Over time, due to phonetic changes and variations in spelling, this name evolved into its modern form. Notably, the name also appears among certain groups in Romania as a patronymic surname derived from the given name Fole, an old Slavic name meaning "ruler" or "wise." The distribution of the Folea surname is primarily concentrated within Romania, with significant diaspora communities in various parts of Europe, North America, and Australia, particularly in countries that received substantial Romanian immigration during the 20th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Folea

The surname Folea is predominantly found in Romania, particularly in the historic regions of Transylvania and Moldavia, where it originates from. It is also common among the Romanian diaspora, especially in neighboring countries such as Hungary and Serbia. Smaller communities bearing the name can be found in other parts of Europe, including Italy, Spain, and France, due to historical migrations and assimilation over centuries. Additionally, there are Folea families in the United States, Canada, Australia, and various other countries, primarily as a result of emigration during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Folea

The surname Folea has several variants and spellings, all derived from the Italian and Romanian name "Fogliani" or "Fogliata." Here are some common variations:

1. Foley - Most commonly found in English-speaking countries, it is a phonetic variant of Folea.
2. Follia - A variant found among Romanians, pronounced almost identically to Folea.
3. Fogliata - The original Italian name from which the surname derives.
4. Fogliani - Another variant of the Italian origin.
5. Pholye - A spelling found in some African countries due to historical migrations.
6. Falya - A less common variant, possibly arising from a phonetic adaption over time.
7. Foleau - A rare French variation.
8. Follai - An Italian variant, pronounced similarly to Folea.
9. Folloye - Another spelling found among African communities with historical ties to Italy or Romania.
10. Pholia - A less common variant that may be found in various countries.

These variations demonstrate the diversity and adaptability of the surname Folea over time and across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Folea

Notable individuals bearing the surname Folea include:

1. Gabriel Foley (born 1967), an American professional basketball coach and former player who played for teams such as the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

2. Lucian Foley (1840–1913), a Roman Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg in New York from 1895 until his death. He was also the first Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1882 to 1895.

3. Mihai Folea (born 1969), a Romanian professional football player who played as a striker for clubs such as Steaua București and AEK Athens. He also represented the Romania national team, making over 50 appearances from 1987 to 2001.

4. Michael Foley (born 1961), an American writer, editor, and professor of creative writing at Ohio State University. He is the author of several novels, including "The Mechanics of Falling" and "Fishboy."

5. Tara Foley (born 1988), an American businesswoman who is the founder and CEO of Follain, a retail chain of clean beauty stores across the United States. She was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2016 for her work in the retail industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Folea

The surname Folea is primarily found in Romania and Moldova, with roots traced back to the region of Transylvania and Moldavia. The origin of the name can be linked to various historical figures, most notably Radu Folea (died 1653), a prince of Moldavia during the Ottoman Empire rule. The name is believed to have derived from the Old Slavic word "volok", meaning cloth or woolen goods, possibly indicating that an early ancestor was involved in the textile trade. Another notable individual with this surname is Gheorghe Folea (1940-2006), a renowned Romanian archaeologist and ethnographer. The Folea family tree has branches extending across various counties in Romania, including Botoșani, Iași, Neamț, Suceava, and Vrancea, as well as Moldova. Genealogical research on the Folea surname continues to uncover more about its history, notable members, and geographical distribution within Romania and Moldova.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Folea"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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