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Last Name Vess

What is the origin of the last name Vess?

The surname Vess is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "wæs(s)a," meaning "stream" or "flow." It was originally a topographical name for someone who lived by a stream or brook. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms such as Vass, Vaiss, and Vess in different regions and periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vess

The meaning and origin of the last name Vess

The surname Vess originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, specifically "fjöss" or "fioss," which means "spur" or "projecting piece of land." This name was originally given to individuals who lived near such topographical features or to those who were metaphorically described as "sticking out" in some way. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname evolved into its modern form, Vess, which is predominantly found among English speakers today. It is a unique name with a historical connection to geographical features, adding an interesting perspective to its bearers' family histories.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vess

The surname Vess has its origins primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland and Ukraine, reflecting a historical migration pattern from these regions. However, it also appears in significant numbers in other parts of the world due to diaspora and migration events. In the United States, for instance, the highest concentrations of individuals with the surname Vess can be found in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, which have large Eastern European ancestry populations. Similarly, in Canada, British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba show a high frequency of the last name Vess. In the United Kingdom, there are also pockets of individuals with the surname Vess, particularly in London and surrounding areas, which may be attributed to immigration from other countries. Overall, while the Vess surname has roots in Eastern Europe, it has spread geographically due to various historical migration events and is now present in multiple regions worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vess

The surname Vess has several variations and spellings due to historical transcriptions and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Veas, Vaez, Vease, Veaze, Veass, Vaes, Vas, Vais, Vasse, Vassee, and Vass. These variations may stem from misspellings, phonetic changes over time, or different cultural influences in the family's origin. Additionally, some individuals might have altered their name slightly to better fit local pronunciation customs or to improve its appearance when written. It is important to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily indicate separate surnames but rather different ways of writing the same name.

Famous people with the last name Vess

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Vess, three stand out for their contributions in various fields:

1. John A. Vess Jr., an American politician who served as the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1982 to 1986.

2. David Vesley (originally David Vess), a Canadian composer, conductor, and music educator who received acclaim for his work in musical theatre.

3. Michael Vess, an American country music singer-songwriter, who has written songs recorded by artists like Collin Raye and Toby Keith.

Genealogical research on the last name Vess

The surname Vess is primarily of English origin, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "fesc" meaning "rush" or "reed," likely used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a marshy area covered in rushes. Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Fess, Ves, and Vasse, reflecting the phonetic changes over time. Notable bearers of this name include John Vass (1592-1673), a Scottish soldier who fought for the Dutch in the Eighty Years' War, and Edward Vess (1824-1895), an American Civil War veteran and a U.S. Representative from Missouri. The surname Vess is currently most prevalent in the United States, particularly in states like Missouri, Kentucky, and Texas.

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 : 28 July 2025

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