Last Name Voge

The surname Voge has German origins. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a swamp or marsh, or a habitational name from any of numerous places so named throughout Germany. The name is derived from Middle High German "wog" meaning "marsh" or "swamp." Variations include Vogh, Vohge, Vohe, and Vogel (meaning "bird").

Learn more about the origin of the last name Voge

The meaning and origin of the last name Voge

The surname Voge is of German origin, derived from various places named "Vogt" or "Vohburg" in Germany. Originally, it was an occupational name for a steward or bailiff, as "Vogt" means 'steward' or 'bailiff' in Middle High German. The name could also be geographical, originating from the town of Vohburg an der Donau in Bavaria. Over time, the spelling evolved due to phonetic variations and language changes, resulting in the modern form of the surname: Voge. It is most prevalent in Germany but can also be found among German-speaking communities in other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Voge

The surname Voge is predominantly found in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, reflecting its origins from these regions. It is particularly common in Bavaria, a state in southern Germany, where it is one of the more frequently occurring surnames. In Switzerland, the name is prevalent in German-speaking cantons such as Aargau, Thurgau, and Zurich. The distribution extends to Austria, especially in the federal states of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Beyond Europe, there are also significant populations of people with the last name Voge in North America, particularly in the United States, where it is largely concentrated in areas with a high density of German-American communities, such as the Midwest and Pennsylvania.

Variants and spellings of the last name Voge

The surname Voge can have several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common forms:

1. Vogel - A German variant meaning "little bird" or "small bird".
2. Voegeli - A Swiss-German form of the surname, often found in the canton of Zürich.
3. Voegtle - Another variation of the surname, which might be a regional dialect form of Vogel or Voegeli.
4. Voega - An Icelandic and Estonian variant, which could also have Scandinavian origins as Vog is Old Norse for "bay" or "cove".
5. Woge - A less common variation that may arise due to misspellings or phonetic changes.
6. Fogge - A possible English adaptation of the German surname, with the 'F' replacing 'V'.
7. Vouga - A Portuguese variant that could potentially be a transcription error or of different origins.

Famous people with the last name Voge

Notable individuals with the surname Voge include:

1. Walter Voge (1896-1973), an American air force general who served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1953.
2. Gerd Voge (born 1940), a German physicist and university professor known for his research in high-temperature superconductivity.
3. Paul Voge (1886-1973), an American composer, conductor, and music educator who served as the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1925 to 1930.
4. Erich Voge (1898-1941), a German World War I flying ace credited with 36 victories. He was also a recipient of the Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest military decoration for valor.
5. Günther Vogel or Gunther Voge (1927-2010), a German film actor who appeared in numerous films and television productions throughout his career. His notable roles include the 1964 James Bond film "Goldfinger" as the German henchman Tovar.

Genealogical research on the last name Voge

The surname Voge originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German "Fuh" meaning "bird" or "fowl." It is believed to have been an occupational name for a bird trainer or falconer. The name has several variations, including Voeg, Voige, Vogel, Voh, Voight, and Voigt, due to spelling variations in historical records.

The first known recorded instance of the surname is Johannes Fueg from the city of Nordhausen in Thuringia, Germany in 1268. The family migrated to Switzerland during the 14th century, with notable figures such as Hans Vogt and Ulrich Vogt, who served as Burgher Masters of the city of Zurich in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The name later spread to other European countries through migration, including France, Belgium, and England. In the United States, the Voge family settled primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois during the 18th and 19th centuries due to German immigration. Notable American figures with the surname include politician William B. Vogt and astronomer Frank J. Vogt.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Voge"
• 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

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