Surname Fogel - Meaning and Origin

Fogel: What does the surname Fogel mean?

The surname Fogel is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin and it is derived from the German word "vogel," which translates to "bird" in English. This name was typically assigned as a nickname to individuals who bore bird-like characteristics, such as a beautiful singing voice or swift speed. It could also be related to the medieval trade of bird catching. In some cases, the name could have been used metaphorically for someone who was timid or gentle. This name is commonly found among Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe, especially those that used Yiddish as their native language, owing to the German influence on the Yiddish language. It's also important to note that in the Middle Ages, it was common to use animal names as surnames. With time and Jewish diaspora, the surname has spread to different parts of the world.

Fogel: Where does the name Fogel come from?

The surname Fogel is of German origin and belongs to the category of ornamental names. It literally translates to "bird" in old German. The name was likely used figuratively to refer to a person who was perceived as having bird-like characteristics, such as swiftness or a mellifluous voice, or to someone living near particular signposts or landmarks that used a bird symbol.

Today, Fogel is a commonly found surname in many parts of the world due to population migration. However, it is more prevalent in Germany and the United States. In Germany, it remains linked to its original roots. In the United States, the name's presence is mainly due to the influx of German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fogel is also found among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, likely adopted when German names were mandated by the authorities in the late 18th century. The surname also exists in other countries, although in lower frequencies.

Variations of the surname Fogel

The surname Fogel has several variant spellings and associated surnames due to its German, Swedish and Jewish roots. Some of the most common variations and surnames of the same origin include Vogel, Fogle, Fogal, Vogl, Vogels, Fogell, and Vogelsang.

Vogel is the most common variant which has the same meaning as Fogel, meaning 'bird' in German. The surnames Fogle and Fogal are common misspelling of the original Fogel, often found in English-speaking countries. Vogl is a shortened form of Vogel, used mostly in Germany and Austria.

The surname Vogels is common in the Netherlands and Belgium, and it is a plural form of Vogel, suggesting the original bearer came from a family of bird keepers or bird sellers. Fogell is another misspelling used mainly in the UK. Vogelsang is a related surname of German origin, meaning 'bird song', and may originally have been used for someone living near a particularly melodious bird song.

In Jewish Ashkenazic communities, Fogel is often used as a metonymic occupational name for a bird catcher or dealer, or as a nickname for someone with a birdlike gait or with some other fancied resemblance to a bird. Variations within Jewish communities might include Fugel or Fogle.

Famous people with the name Fogel

• Jared Fogle: Former Subway spokesperson and convicted felon.
• Ken Fogel: Canadian actor, director, and educator known for his work in the field of improvisation.
• Molly Fogel: Director of Educational and Social Services at the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).
• Yarden Gerbi: Born Yarden Fogel, she is an Israeli judoka world champion.
• Robert Fogel: American economic historian and scientist who won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1993.
• Jeremy Fogel: U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California.
• Erik Fogel: Veteran animation director, notably known for his work on MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch.
• Ryan Fogle: U.S. diplomat expelled from Russia in 2013, accused of being a CIA agent.
• Viviane Fogel: Prominent Brazilian lawyer and human rights advocate.
• Dan Fogel: Jazz musician and professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
• Richard L. Fogel: American journalist who has worked for the Associated Press and CBS.
• Sam Fogel: Senior Lecturer Emeritus in the Department of Finance at Syracuse University.
• Nellie King Solomon: Born Nellie King Fogel, Solomon is an influential contemporary artist.

Other surnames

FogedFogelhut