Surname Fasenacht - Meaning and Origin
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Fasenacht: What does the surname Fasenacht mean?
The last name Fasenacht is thought to have originated from the Swiss German language and is believed to mean “Festive Night.” The Fasenacht surname is likely derived from the German word "Fasenacht," which is a traditional holiday, similar to a carnival, that was celebrated during the winter months in certain regions of Switzerland and Austria.
The Fasenacht celebrations usually began during the 12 days leading up to Lent, which was a period known as Fastnacht. During this time people celebrated with music, dancing, and costumed revelry. Often a Fasenacht parade was held, featuring colorful costumes, floats, and a maypole. As the custom spread to other parts of Europe, the exact details and dates of the festivities differed, however, the underlying sentiment of joy and merriment remained the same.
The name Fasenacht is still commonly seen in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, although it may be spelled differently depending on the region and dialect. The precise meaning of the name may have evolved over the centuries, yet the essence of celebration and merriment still remain in modern meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisFasenacht: Where does the name Fasenacht come from?
Fasenacht is a surname found mainly in Germany. It is derived from the German word Fasenacht, which translates to “Shrovetide” and is a celebration of the beginning of Lent. The name is most prominently found in the state of Saxony-Anhalt in Germany, with a concentration around the town of Quedlinburg. This is likely due to the fact that this was an area particularly associated with the Fasenacht celebration.
The surname is also quite common in the state of Bavaria, particularly around the towns of Neumarkt and Straubing. This is likely due to migration from the Saxony-Anhalt area to Bavaria in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Outside of Germany, Fasenacht is still a relatively common surname in Ohio, particularly in the counties of Miami, Shelby, and Seneca. Again, it is likely due to migration of German settlers into the area, as well as intermarriage with local populations.
In addition to traditional German immigration and migration, the surname Fasenacht has also spread through other countries due to refugees fleeing Germany during World War II and into the 1960s and 70s. Today, Fasenacht is also found in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland, as well as other countries across the globe.
Variations of the surname Fasenacht
The surname Fasenacht has several spelling and surname variants. The most common spelling variants are Fesenacht, Fessnacht, Fas(s)enacht, Fessenich, Vasonight, Fasselnicht, Vassenight, Fessner, Fesenick, Fassenix, Fassnick, Fassenigh, and Vassenaite. Some less common spellings include Fesenage, Fosennach, Vesennach, Vasonage, Visnacht, Fesennich, Fesenidge, Fesenage, and Vesenig.
Surnames of the same origin as Fasenacht include Fess in Germany, Fasen in the Netherlands, Fest in Switzerland, Fasch in Austria, and Fassnach in Illinois.
Fasenacht is an occupational surname which originated from the medieval German phrase 'Fasse naht'. This phrase is translated as 'Async seamster, or to sew at night'. It is believed that the surname was used to describe the profession of a tailor, someone who stitches clothing by hand in the evening.
The spelling of the surname Fasenacht has changed over time. During the 1800s, spellings such as Vasonight, Fassenix, Fassnick, Fassenigh, and Vassenaite were popular. In more modern language, Fessenich, Fesenick, and Fesenage have become the most common spellings.
No matter what spelling or surname variant is used, the surname Fasenacht is steeped in occupational history and is composed of people with a love of stitching and hand-sewing.
Famous people with the name Fasenacht
- Andy Fasenacht: An American performance Poet, actor, and songwriter.
- Tom Fasenacht: An American artist and photographer known for his vivid photographs of rural America.
- Dave Fasenacht: Former professional basketball player who played for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.
- Barbara Fasenacht: A professional tennis player who competed in tournaments during the 70s and 80s.
- Mel Fasenacht: A U.S. Marine Corps Major General who served as the first director of the CIA in the late 1940s.
- John Fasenacht: An American Olympic sprinting champion and a member of the U.S. National team in the 1960 Tokyo Olympics.
- Jack Fasenacht: A former American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Athletics and the Boston Red Sox.
- Louis Fasenacht: An American professional golfer who won the Masters tournament in 1943.
- Don Fasenacht: A retired American football player, coach and executive who was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.
- Fred Fasenacht: A former American stock car racing driver who competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1971-1976.