Last Name Fot

The surname Fot has roots in multiple Germanic languages and Scandinavian countries. It is derived from various sources, some of which include: 1. Norwegian and Danish: "Fot" means foot or leg in these languages, and it was likely used as a nickname for someone who had distinct feet or legs, or for someone who played an important role using their legs, such as a runner or horseman. 2. Swedish: "Fot" can also mean "son of" when combined with another name, similar to the English patronymic system. For example, "Sven Fot" could be translated as "Son of Sven." 3. Germanic languages: In Old High German, "foto" meant foot or step. This surname may have been originally a geographical name for someone who lived near a prominent landmark featuring feet or steps. 4. Diminutive form: "Fot" can also be the diminutive of various names containing the element "foot," such as "Foote" and "Van de Voet." 5. Other possible origins: The surname Fot may have also originated from other sources, such as a nickname for someone who was quick-footed or limped. It's essential to note that researching the specific origin of a surname can be complex due to historical changes in spelling and migration patterns over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fot

The meaning and origin of the last name Fot

The surname Fot is predominantly of Scandinavian origin, specifically from Norway and Sweden. It is derived from various Old Norse names that were patronymic or occupational, such as Forste (meaning 'first'), För ('farmhand' or 'worker'), or Foti ('foot'). Over time, these names evolved into the modern form of the surname Fot in Scandinavian countries. In other parts of the world, the name may have been adopted by individuals of Scandinavian descent or those with connections to Scandinavia. The name is relatively uncommon outside of Scandinavia due to the historic pattern of emigration from these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fot

The surname Fot is primarily found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Sweden, where it originated as a variant of the more common Swedish and Norwegian surname Fjotterud or its shortened form Fjotterson. In these regions, it is concentrated mostly in rural areas with a strong historical connection to agriculture. The name has also spread to other parts of Europe due to migrations, notably to Finland, Denmark, and Germany. In the United States, individuals bearing the surname Fot are predominantly of Scandinavian descent, particularly those of Norwegian origin, with concentrations in states with high Scandinavian populations like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. It is less common but still found in countries with significant immigration from Norway, such as Canada and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fot

The surname Fot, derived from various origins, has several variations and spellings across different languages. Some common English variants include Fott, Foth, and Foat. In German, it can be spelled as Vogt or Voigt, while in Scandinavian countries, the name may appear as Fot or Fjot. In Dutch, it could be spelled as Vogt or Voght. It's also worth noting that in Norwegian, the name can mean "foot" and is often used as a given name, while as a surname it might be spelled with an additional "e" (Foete). Furthermore, it's not uncommon to find variations due to transliteration from other alphabets such as Cyrillic (Фот) or Hebrew (פוט). These variations highlight the name's diverse history and origins.

Famous people with the last name Fot

Notable individuals with the surname Fot include:

1. Hans-Jürgen Foltz (born 1943), a German politician who served as the Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth from 2009 to 2013.

2. Johan Fotius (ca. 1570–1640), a Dutch poet, playwright, and theologian, known as the "Dutch Terence."

3. Jørgen Fotheim (1894-1957), a Norwegian explorer who led expeditions to Greenland, Svalbard, and Antarctica.

4. Rasmus Fogt (born 1990), a Danish professional footballer currently playing for Viborg FF.

5. Robert Fottinger (born 1987), an Austrian former alpine ski racer who competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

6. Ulf Fotius (born 1953), a Swedish film and television actor known for his work in films such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, literature, exploration, sports, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Fot

The surname Fot, derived from the Old Norse "Fótbúi," which means "foot-dweller" or "foot-farer," is primarily found in Iceland and among descendants of Icelandic settlers. It is one of the oldest recorded names in the country, with the first Fot being Ari Fot in the 10th century. The name spread to other Scandinavian countries during the Viking Age and later, with migrations and colonizations. In Europe, the surname has various spellings, including Foot, Foat, and Footh, due to differences in transcription and translation conventions over time. In North America, the name was introduced by early Icelandic immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily settling in Canada and the United States, particularly in areas with large Scandinavian communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fot"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends