Surname Feegers - Meaning and Origin

Feegers: What does the surname Feegers mean?

The surname Feegers is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'vigeri', which means hunting, or a forest dweller. This likely refers to the occupation of an early ancestor of the Feeger family, with the word becoming part of their surname.

The Feeger family appeared in Germany in the 13th century and became spread throughout the country. The earliest recorded Feeger family member was a monk named Heinricus Feeger, who was born in Munich in 1258. Records indicate that throughout the centuries the Feeger family has often been affiliated with aristocracy and scholars.

The Feeger family is still very much present today, with examples of the name still scattered throughout Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. In contemporary times, individuals with the Feeger surname often continue to maintain strong links to their ancestral heritage.

The Feeger's legacy of hunting or forest dwelling has been honored in modern life through a variety of charitable organizations and awards. For instance, the 'Feeger Conservation Award' was established by forestry specialists in the U.S. and Canada in 2006 to recognize and honor those working towards preserving and protecting forests.

So, the last name Feegers is indicative of a family closely tied with their ancestral heritage and the forests of Germany over the centuries. It has come to embody a strong bond with the land, and a deep respect for nature and conservation.

Feegers: Where does the name Feegers come from?

Today, the surname Feegers is most commonly found in German-speaking countries of Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It also appears in parts of the United States and Canada with German-speaking populations, such as in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Wisconsin, Kansas, Nebraska, and certain areas of the Prairies and the Canadian Prairies.

In Germany, the spelling Feegers is most commonly found in the region of Rhenish Hesse, near the city of Mainz. It is also found in and around Nienstädt, a small town in the province of Lower Saxony near the city of Hannover.

In the United States, the surname Feegers is found mainly in states that had large influxes of German immigrants during the 19th century, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Nebraska. It is also found in certain parts of Texas and California.

In Canada, the surname Feegers is most commonly found in Ontario, Alberta, and parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It is also commonly found in parts of the Canadian Prairies, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In total, the surname Feegers can be found in various parts of Europe, the United States, and Canada, in some cases with different spelling variations.

Variations of the surname Feegers

Feegers is a German surname, which is also found scattered across the world due to German immigration. Within Germany, the variants, spellings, and surnames of Feegers can be found in records from as early as the 13th century. Some of these variants, spellings and alternatives include: Fegers, Feigers, Feigert, Feiges, Feiger, Feigerer, Pögers, Pögels, Pöglers, Beegers, and Beigers.

The surname Feegers comes from the German words “fegen” and “feger”, which both translate into “sweep” or “to sweep” in English. It is thought that it originates from an occupational surname, referring to someone who swept or “feged” and it is classed as a job-related surname.

In some countries the surname may be spelled differently, for example, in Scandinavia it is sometimes found as Filipovic or Filipovicz as this research found links to the Slavic equivalent of the Germanic lines.

In some international records, the surname can also be found as Poeger, Pogehl and Poegel – with this name being an Anglicized spelling of Pögers.

In the United States, this surname was most frequently found in Alabama and Illinois, however, research also revealed Feeger’s in Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, and South Dakota.

In England, the fewer recorded branches of this surname has a spelling of Beegers, or Beiger. The recorded Beeger families of England go back as far as the early 17th century making some of the first appearances in Berkshire.

In conclusion, Feegers is a German surname with many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Across Europe, the Americas, and England this name is found with alternate spellings, typically based on local dialects or regional pronunciations. These variations offer a glimpse into the international reach of the Germanic language and the branches of this surname.

Famous people with the name Feegers

• Mark Feegers, A former Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach.
• Allen Feegers, A German theologian and historian born in 1620.
• Ernst Feegers, A German politician who served as a member of the Nazi Party.
• Norbert Feegers, A German doctor who is notable for his dedication and scientific research.
• Martin Feegers, An American businessman and philanthropist.
• Joseph Feegers, An American actor who has appeared in movies such as “Windtalkers” and “Tarzan and the Lost City”.
• Annika Feegers, A Swedish-born artist.
• Martin Feegers, An American professional soccer player.
• Jonathan Feegers, An American stand-up comedian.
• Rachel Feegers, An American voice actress and singer.

Other surnames

Feeger