Surname Fech - Meaning and Origin

Fech: What does the surname Fech mean?

The last name Fech is of German origin. It is an occupational name for someone who was a fletcher, from the Middle High German word “fech,” meaning arrow. The surname dates back to the medieval period in Europe and was borne by people who crafted arrows and other weapons for hunting and warfare.

In medieval Germany, global trade was important and arrowsmiths traveled the countryside, manufacturing arrows and selling them, eventually settling down in some areas and becoming well known for their skills. As the name spread, it may have also been adopted as a nickname based on a person's occupation. In some areas, the name evolved into variations such as Feuch, which is in use today.

In the modern day, people with the last name Fech may be found in multiple countries, although it is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In the United States, the name may be found in states with large German immigrant populations, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.

Fech is a descendant of a proud medieval tradition and today, it is associated with its roots in arrowsmithing. While it is used by a limited number of people, with a unique story attached to it, it is sure to remain popular for many years to come.

Fech: Where does the name Fech come from?

The last name Fech has roots across Europe, especially in countries like France, Germany, and Austria. It is likely that the surname originated from the German word fech, meaning knot. Today, it is most commonly found throughout France and Germany, though it may also be found in other European countries in towns and cities with German or French-speaking populations. In North America, the Fech surname is mainly concentrated in the United States and Canada, and more specifically in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. In the United States and Canada, Fech is most common among those of German and French ancestry. Beyond this, Fech can also be found in Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and throughout other countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Variations of the surname Fech

The surname Fech is of German origin and is found in a variety of spellings and variants. It is believed to have derived from the Germanic word "fakid" which refers to a person who is antler-like or fierce, and this attribute could have been passed down as a surname. Common variants of the Fech surname include Feh, Feich, Fecher, Fehcher, Fehm, Fehme, Vehe and Vehne. The surname has also been adapted in other countries and cultures, with variants in countries such as Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Poland.

In Austria, the Fech surname is usually spelled Fecht and is thought to be derived from the Middle German element "fechten" which means "to fight". Similarly, in Hungary, Fech can be spelled as Fecht, Fecht, or Fék, while in Slovakia and Czechoslovakia it is often spelled Fek. Within Poland, the surname is more commonly seen spelled as Fich, determined by the regional pronunciation of the surname.

When the surname is found in countries such as England, Scotland, and Ireland, it is usually adapted to Faught which is an anglicized spelling. In the United States, the Fech surname is typically spelled as Fecht due to migration of German descendants to the New World. It has even been seen in the form of Feuk in Canada.

Overall, the Fech surname is found in numerous spellings and variants, typically stemming from the Germanic origins of the name. However, due to the effects of migration, emigration, and immigration, the surnames can be adapted to fit the cultures and countries in which they are used.

Famous people with the name Fech

• Max Fech: Former American college football player. He played as a wide receiver for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers in 2006.
• Mary Fech: Known as “the Queen of Madison Avenue”, she was a pioneering female advertising executive in the U.S.
• Frank Fech: American botanist and landscape architect, who specialized in plantings and landscape design of public spaces.
• Antoine Fech: American professional BMX cyclist, he was the winner of the 2004 Reebok International Trick Challenge.
• Emil Fech: Former Czechoslovak ice hockey player, he played for the country’s national team at the 1948 Winter Olympics.
• Jürgen Fech: German athlete who competed in the 1990 Paralympic Games in the wheelchair shot put and discus events.
• Scott Fech: American professional artist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he is credited for his blend of illusionism and realism.
• Maureen Fech: Canadian model and TV host, she hosted the national tv show "Urban Rush" from 2005 to 2010.
• Albert Fech: Dutch politician of the People's National Party (VVD) and Member of the House of Representatives.
• Katy Fech: Entrepreneur, business manager and founder of the company Study Abroad Quest, she helps students to navigate the daunting process of studying abroad.

Other surnames

Fechner