Surname Folkens - Meaning and Origin
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Folkens: What does the surname Folkens mean?
Folkens, which is usually spelled “Folkins” in English, is a German surname derived from the word “volk”, meaning people in German. It likely originated in the 15th century and was used as a name for people who supported a large number of people or families. It can also refer to a particular people or tribe, typically one that lives in a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.
The term folk often has a connotation of being a shared heritage or ancestry that is passed down from generation to generation. Folk music, folk art, folk dancing and folk tales are examples of how culture is inherited from one generation to the next.
The name Folkens is believed to have spread in migration patterns throughout Europe and is still common to this day. Those with Folkens as a surname typically come from Northern and Central Europe, particularly France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Denmark.
Folkens could refer to not just a surname but also a cultural identity. This suggests that those with the name Folkens have an antiquity and a uniqueness that is both shared and distinctive from other cultures. There is something special about the heritage, the traditions, and the sense of belonging that come with having the name Folkens.
Order DNA origin analysisFolkens: Where does the name Folkens come from?
The last name Folkens is most commonly found today in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019, there were 445 recorded people with the name. It was most prevalent in Wisconsin and California.
Tracing the origin of the surname, Folkens can be traced to Germany where several different villages by this same name exist. The name is derived from a combination of two words, “folc” which means “people” and “en” which means “in.” Ultimately, it translates to “among the people” and was likely an adopted name.
Immigration records suggest that the name originated in Germany with early settlers to the United States arriving in the late-1700s. In the 19th century, Jakob Folkens is recorded as arriving on the SS Fulda from Bremen, Germany in 1886. Since then, the name has been carried on into generations with the majority of Folkens living in the United States.
While there are likely some European descendants with this name, the majority of people with the last name Folkens today are descendants of the immigrants who arrived from Europe in the late 1800s. The name is still found casually in the United States, especially around the Midwest region.
Variations of the surname Folkens
The Folkens surname is typically of Germanic or Dutch origin. It is derived from Middle Low German 'volen', which means 'people', and can therefore be interpreted to mean 'of the people'. Variant spellings of Folkens include Volkens, Volken, Folken, Volkons, Folkens, Volkens, Foukens, and Folkins.
Variants of Folkens can also be found in other regions. For example, the French variant ‘Foulquain’ can be traced back to the same origin. The French spelling of this surname has the same meaning as the German and Dutch versions, and means ‘of the people’.
In English, the spelling of this surname is usually Folkens or Folkens, yet other forms are beginning to appear in records. For instance, in the UK, where the most popular spelling is Folkens, the spelling Falken or Faulken can also be found. In Scandinavian countries, the spelling is typically Folkins, and in the United States, Folkens is the most popular spelling.
There are also notable spelling differences between countries and regions which can signify a different origin for a surname. For example, Folkenstein is a variation of the surname which originated from the Eastern European country of Hungary. In the Czech Republic, the spelling Folkenstai is common.
All of these surname variations could denote a slightly different origin, although all may be traced back to the same background. When exploring your family tree, it’s worth noting that there are many spellings of the same surname, and that you may need to explore different variations if you want to uncover more about your ancestral origins.
Famous people with the name Folkens
- Jesse Folkens: guitarist from the alternative rock band, Coheed and Cambria.
- Lawrence Folkens: an American biochemist and biophysicist who was awarded the 2013 National Medal of Science for his contributions to Biochemistry.
- Eric Folkens: a software engineer from the Netherlands, known for his work on open-source libraries and tools.
- Brad Folkens: an American film and television actor who has acted in films and television series such as 9-1-1, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Castle.
- Ryan Folkens: an American professional soccer player who currently plays for the United Soccer League side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
- Tony Folkens: an American stuntman who has doubled for numerous stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, and Tom Cruise.
- Mark Folkens: an American art director who has worked on films such as The Butler, Skinwalkers, and Barbershop 2: Back in Business.
- John Folkens: a Dutch football manager and player who previously managed the Dutch football club, SC Heerenveen.
- Al Folkens: American politician and current President of the Wisconsin State Senate.
- Catherine Folkens: an American historian and author who has written several books on the history of women in America.