Surname Federer - Meaning and Origin
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Federer: What does the surname Federer mean?
The last name Federer originates from Switzerland and is most commonly associated with the highly successful professional tennis player, Roger Federer. The name is derived from the Old German word, ‘videre’, which literally translates to mean ‘ditch’. This could have been an occupational name for someone who was an important part of the drainage system in the area, or may have referred to a place where ditches were dug.
In today's modern context, the last name Federer is widely used as a proud representation of the accomplishments of Roger Federer, as he has achieved unprecedented success in the professional tennis world. He has won a total of twenty Grand Slam singles titles, most of any male player in history. His success on the professional circuit has made the last name “Federer” world renowned within the tennis world.
The name Federer is also an example of a surname that has morphed from an occupational form to a surname for the most successful athlete from that particular area. As a result, the name has evolved into a reflection of the pride and success of the Federer family name. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Federer family which has ultimately propelled it to become one of the most recognizable names in professional tennis.
Order DNA origin analysisFederer: Where does the name Federer come from?
The last name Federer is commonly found throughout Europe, with the highest concentrations in Switzerland and Germany. Although the origins of the surname are uncertain, the earliest known instance of it dates back to 1299, when a Johannes Federer was recorded in the city of Haigerloch, in southwestern Germany.
In Switzerland, the name is most common in the German-speaking canton of Zurich and is said to have originated in the Emmental valley of Canton Bern. Outside of Switzerland, the name has been most prevalent in Germany, primarily in the states of Baden-Wurttemburg and Bavaria, and is known to have been associated with communities since the 1600s. It is thought to have spread there from Switzerland via migrating families.
Today, many people who bear the name of Federer live in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, having emigrated from Switzerland and Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, relatives of the original Swiss and German bearers are now spread throughout Europe and beyond, having adopted other surnames, such as Fiederer or Fiedler, as their family name evolved in different countries.
Variations of the surname Federer
The surname Federer has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the same origin. These surnames include, but are not limited to: Federer, Federer, Pfeiffer, Pfäffle, Pfaeffle, Pfaffen, Pfafflin, Pfeifferen, Feiffer, Fieffer, and Fürfer.
The surname Federer is a Swiss-German patronymic surname deriving from the ancient Germanic personal name ‘Fridaric’. This personal name is composed of two distinct elements: ‘frith’ meaning ‘peace’ and the suffix ‘-aric’, meaning ruler. The spelling variants of Fridaric include: Friedric, Frideric, Fredric, Frederic, and Friedrich. The corresponding middle ages mynnyms or pet forms of the same personal name include: Frizzo, Fritz, and Friedrich.
The surname Federer is an occupational surname that evolved from the Old German word 'pfaffe’ meaning ‘chaplain’, ‘minstrel’, or ‘cleric’. It is also an occupational surname derived from the old German words ‘vogt’ or ‘vögte’ which mean ‘sovereign’, ‘ruler’ or ‘administrator’.
The surname Federer is found in several different countries including, but not limited to: Austria, Hungary, Germany, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The spelling variants, variants, and surnames of Federer (in various European languages) all refer to sharing a common origin and all serve to help identify descendants of the same ancestors. The modern spelling of the surname has evolved over the centuries and is still in use today, albeit in significantly diminished numbers.
Famous people with the name Federer
- Roger Federer: Swiss former professional tennis player and current men’s singles world No. 4. He is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles: a record shared with Rafael Nadal.
- Lynette Federer: Swiss professional tennis player and the mother of Roger Federer.
- Lynne Federer, Swiss former tennis player and the father of Roger Federer.
- Milo Federer, Swiss professional tennis player and the brother of Roger Federer.
- Diana Federer, Swiss professional tennis player and the sister of Roger Federer.
- Myla Federer, Swiss former tennis player and the cousin of Roger Federer.
- Michael Federer, Swiss Swiss former professional tennis player and the uncle of Roger Federer.
- Jack Tame, announcer, sports broadcaster, writer, and former professional golfer from New Zealand who previously went by the surname Federer.
- Agatha Federer, Swiss former tennis player and the aunt of Roger Federer.
- Michel Federer, Swiss former tennis player and the grandfather of Roger Federer.