Surname Fagheny - Meaning and Origin
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Fagheny: What does the surname Fagheny mean?
The last name Fagheny comes from the German language and is of unknown origin. It is possible that it developed as a topographical name for someone who lived by a beech tree, as the spelling 'Faghen' translates to 'beech' in German. Alternatively, the surname could be derived from the German word 'faghen', meaning 'to break' or 'to tear down'.
The name might also have evolved from the German word 'Fangen', meaning 'to catch'. In this case, it would refer to someone known for their skill in capturing animals or birds.
In America, the surname first appeared in Pennsylvania, where it appears in 1840, 1853, and 1858 records. It is most common in the United States today, with an estimated 6,000 bearers spread across the country.
No matter its origin, the last name Fagheny is a unique name with an unusual origin. It’s a great reminder that behind many family names lies an interesting story of migration, language, and culture.
Order DNA origin analysisFagheny: Where does the name Fagheny come from?
The last name Fagheny is most common in the American Midwestern states today, especially in Ohio. As of the latest statistics, the most recent US census information from 2020 shows that 0.002% of the population have this surname. The majority of those with the name in the US are of German ancestry.
The Fagheny name is thought to have originated in Bavaria, Germany. The first settler of the name in the US was Phillip Fagheny from Bonfeld, Germany, who arrived in Houston, TX by way of New Orleans in 1845. Since that time, Faghenys have increasingly populated Midwestern states such as Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
The Fagheny name is most popularly associated with Jacob T. Fagheny, who was born in Delaware, Ohio, in 1821. He became a soldier in the Civil War and, while in service, was elected as county commissioner for Delaware County. He is remembered by historically-inclined Ohioans today for being a loyal defender of his home region in a time of great strife.
More recent Faghenys include family members from rural southeastern Ohio, such as those residing in Noble County near the small town of Caldwell. These family members continue to be part of the American heartland, keeping alive a21800-year-old family name in the US.
Variations of the surname Fagheny
Fagheny is a rare surname of Hungarian origin and can be spelled in various forms including Faghny, Faghnyi, Faheny, and Faheni. Variants of the name may have evolved from the old Hungarian verb ‘fagyni’, which means ‘to freeze’, and is sometimes found as a nickname for someone who is cold-natured or ‘frozen’. An alternative meaning is ‘beautiful’ in Slovak.
The name is found in different countries where migration has taken place, such as Slovakia, Hungary, and the United States. In Slovakia, spellings such as Fahenky or Fagenki may be used. In Hungary, the name can be found as Fageny or Fegeny.
The name is often encountered as a patronymic family name, with suffixes including -i, -agy, -y or -ey. Some of the spellings and variants incorporate these suffixes, such as Faghnyi, Faheni, Fagengy or Fageney. Variants of the name may also appear as combination names. An example is the combination of Fageny and Fehér (white), which is sometimes seen as Fagenyfehér, and indicates a white haired ancestor.
Overall, Fagheny is a surname of Hungarian origin and can be spelled in various forms including Faghny, Faghnyi, Faheny, Faheni, Fahenky, Fagenki, Fageny and Fegeny. Other combination names may also exist, including Fageney, Fagengy and Fagenyfehér.
Famous people with the name Fagheny
- Joe Fagheny: he was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played in parts of four seasons spanning 1927–1930.
- Lloyd Fagheny: a famous jazz guitarist who was an influential figure in the Chicago jazz scene.
- Limby Fagheny: a Music artist specialized in blues, country and rock music.
- Joe Fagheny Jr.: is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head football coach at The College of Wooster from 1976 to 1983 and at Denison University from 1984 to 1986, compiling a career college football record of 66–60–1.
- Michael Fagheny: a professional lacrosse player for the Philadelphia Wings.
- James Fagheny: a renowned poet and translator. He has been published in numerous literary journals and magazines.
- Karl Fagheny: a novelist and playwright. He is particularly known for works such as "Live Free or Die," "Lost and Found" and "Not so Silent Night."
- Daniel Fagheny: a retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the New Jersey Nets with the 91st overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft.
- Kevin Fagheny: an American contemporary artist specializing in photography and mixed-media.
- Sean Fagheny: a successful businessman and social media influencer.