Surname Folk - Meaning and Origin
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TITLE: Surprising Heritage: Unraveling the Intricacies of My Folk Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test
The DNA test results from iGENEA revealed astonishing surprises about my familial heritage and surname history. Contrary to expectations, my surname Folk unveiled a rich blend of Celtic, Germanic, Jewish Ashkenazi, and even Viking bloodlines. These revelations formed an intricate, vibrant picture of my ancestry, which until now, lay concealed within the depths of my DNA.
L. Folk
read moreFolk: What does the surname Folk mean?
The surname Folk is an English occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "folke" meaning "folk" or "people". As an occupational name, it likely was given to someone who was prominent in the community, held a leadership position in a village, or did work related to the village or local population such as a customs officer or tax collector.
The surname has been found predominantly in southern England. It first appeared in Britain during the 12th and 13th centuries AD, when surnames were first systems of recording personal information. It had much less prevalence in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Records of the name Folk, and variants such as Folke, appear throughout historical documents in England, including the County of Yorkshire Subsidy Rolls of 1297 AD, the Register of the Freemen of the City of York in 1319, the Poll Tax Records of 1379, and the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire in 1332.
The usual modern spelling of the surname Folk is a reference to the Old English word “folc”, which has the same meaning as the modern English word “folk”, and is derived from the idea of “bond” or “kinship”. As an occupational name, it suggested belonging and accountability. It indicated someone of substance and influence–someone who was an integral member of the local elite or community.
In many ways, the name Folk still stands for someone who is an active and contributive member of their own local or wider community. By taking on the surname Folk, many of those in the past likely saw themselves as having a responsibility to their people, and even now, the surname indicates a strong love of family, and a willingness to stand up for those you love.
Order DNA origin analysisFolk: Where does the name Folk come from?
The last name Folk is an anglicized version of the Germanic surname “Volck,” which was derived from a personal name such as “Folc,” meaning “man or people.” As a result, it is most commonly found in areas where Germanic populations have settled.
The last name Folk is most often seen in Germany and other German-speaking countries in Europe such as Austria and Switzerland. In the U.S., it is found primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland as well as other states where a significant number of German immigrants have settled.
In addition, the name is also common among persons of Scandinavian descent (Folk being equivalent to the surname Folkmann in Danish). The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have one of the highest numbers of Folk outside of the United States and Germany.
The name is also common among Mennonites in the United States who were immigrants from northern Germany and the Netherlands, as well as the Russian Province of Ukraina, which is an area heavily populated by people of German and Mennonite descent.
In short, the last name Folk is most commonly seen today in areas of Europe and the United States, particularly those heavily populated by German, Danish, Swedish, and Mennonite immigrants.
Variations of the surname Folk
The surname Folk is often spelled as Folke, Fulk, Foulke, Fulke, and Voelk.
Folk is generally of German origin, meaning 'people' or 'nation'. In early German records, the name was written in its Latin form, Volk. It may also be a variation of the Old Norse word folk, which translates to “people” or “family”.
Variants of Folk include Folke, Fulke, and Voelk. Folke is the most popular variant, and is thought to have originated in parts of Scandinavia where German immigrants settled during the 1600s.
Fulk is another form of Folk. It is a variation of the old Germanic personal name Fulco, derived from the element “fulc” meaning “people” or “nation”. Foulke is another variation of the name and is thought to have originated in Anglo-Saxon Britain.
Surnames derived from Folk are Folker, Foulkes, and Folks. Folker is the most common variation, and is derived from the ancient Old German words “volk” and “er”, meaning “people” and “son” respectively.
Variations of the surname Folk have evolved over time, with many people using different spellings and forms of the name. Whatever form of the name is used, it continues to be a proud and well-known surname in many countries throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Folk
- William Trevor Cox Folk: retired American basketball player
- Jody Folks: American rapper also known as "La Chat"
- Everett G. Folk: author and former professor at Pennsylvania State University
- Nate Folk: independent rock singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California
- Dean Folk: former international soccer player who represented the United States in the 1986 FIFA World Cup
- Chad Folk: an American record producer, mixing engineer, and bassist
- Bo Folk: former defensive tackle in the National Football League
- Jordan Folk: Canadian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC
- Christian Folk: former professional basketball player
- Tom Folk: musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist