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Last Name Voight

What is the origin of the last name Voight?

The surname Voight (spelled Vogt in some regions) is of Germanic origin. It comes from the Old High German word "Wuot," meaning "smith" or "blacksmith." Over time, it was transformed into the Middle High German "Vuote" and eventually became "Voigt" in modern German. The surname Voight/Vogt is common among people of German descent, particularly those who lived in regions that were part of the Holy Roman Empire. It is also found among settlers from Germany to other parts of Europe and the Americas.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Voight

The meaning and origin of the last name Voight

The surname Voight is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Fuot" or Middle High German "Vuote," both meaning "firmness" or "strength." It was often given as a nickname to someone who displayed these qualities, such as strong physical prowess or a firm disposition. The name was brought to various parts of Europe during the Middle Ages by German settlers and eventually spread across the world through migration and assimilation. Over time, variations in spelling have arisen due to differences in translation, recording practices, and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Vogt, Voigtmann, and Voightmann. The surname Voight is found predominantly among German-speaking populations, but its bearers can now be found worldwide as a result of historical migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Voight

The surname Voight is predominantly of German origin, with significant concentrations found in Germany, particularly in the regions of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg. Additionally, it is also present in other German-speaking areas such as Austria and Switzerland. Outside Europe, a notable number of Voights can be found in the United States, with the highest concentrations in states like Pennsylvania, California, and Texas, due to large-scale immigration from Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller numbers of the surname are also present in countries that received German immigrants, such as Canada, Brazil, and Australia. In recent times, the distribution has expanded somewhat due to global migration trends, but the aforementioned regions remain the primary locations for the Voight family name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Voight

The surname Voight has several variations and spellings. These include Voigt, Wohicht, Vohit, Voght, Voighte, Voyt, Voege, Vogte, and Voige. All these forms are derived from the Germanic name "Fahith," which means "war-like." However, it is important to note that the spelling can change depending on the region or country where the family originated. For instance, in Germany, it may be more commonly spelled as Voigt, while in some other countries like the United States, you might encounter variations such as Voight or Vohit. The diversity in spellings reflects the migration patterns of people with this name across different countries and time periods.

Famous people with the last name Voight

Jon Voight, an American actor and producer, is one of the most renowned figures with the surname Voight. Born on December 29, 1938, in Yonkers, New York, he gained widespread recognition for his role as Chris in the film Midnight Cowboy (1969), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Other notable roles include portraying the title character in Deliverance (1972) and playing the father of the main character in the TV series, Ray Donovan. Jon Voight's career spans over six decades, and he has been honored with multiple awards, including two Golden Globes and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Furthermore, his son, actor Angelina Jolie, is also an accomplished figure in the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Voight

The surname Voight, of German origin, is predominantly found in Germany and has been traced back to the medieval period. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was Heinrich Voigt, who lived in Brandenburg during the early 13th century. The name "Voight" is derived from the Middle High German "fuoge" or "vouge," meaning "follower" or "retainer," suggesting a historical association with feudal service. Throughout history, the Voights have been distributed across various regions in Germany, including Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, and Saxony, among others. Some notable individuals bearing the name include actors Sylvester Stallone (born Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Voigt) and Jon Voight, both American actors of German descent. The surname Voight continues to be common in Germany today, reflecting its long and storied history.

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 : 15 June 2025

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