Surname Foltin - Meaning and Origin

Foltin: What does the surname Foltin mean?

The surname Foltin is of German origin and is believed to have originated in the area now known as Bremen, Germany. The name itself has several possible meanings, reflecting its regional element. Foltin may have come from the old High German “faldin”, which was an endearing term for a “shepherd”, or specifically a “goat herder”. It can also mean “eagle”, deriving from the root falþu, which translates as “fall”. Finally, it may also suggest a “southern German man”–specifically reconnecting to a tribe known as the “Fulden”.

The earliest known traces of the family tree associated with Foltin are from the 13th century, during the times of German-Danish occupations. It follows that because of their geographic location, members of the Foltin family were more likely to become fishermen, sailors and tradespeople as opposed to competing for land.

Today, members of the Foltin family have expanded all around the globe. Those with the name mostly live in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, along with other countries all over Europe. It has proven an enduring surname, with many within the family gathering each year for festivals and events.

In short, the mysterious surname Foltin likely originated from an old German term, having a variety of meanings, likely alluding to either a “southern German man”, a “shepherd” or an “eagle”. It is a family name that has proven enduring, with descendants scattered around the world.

Foltin: Where does the name Foltin come from?

The last name Foltin is most commonly found in Slovakia in Central Europe. It is a Slavic last name that is believed to be derived from the Old Czech word for the “Poltina” which was a type of coin.

Today, the surname Foltin is most concentrated in the eastern district of Bardejov in Slovakia. Furthermore, it is mostly seen residing in and around the city of Boshany in the southern tops of the country’s terrain. In addition to Poland and Slovakia, the surname is also observed being adopted by Anglicized individuals in the US and UK, particularly in regions neighboring to the eastern European nations.

In the US, the last name is rare but more common in certain regions of the West Coast and New Jersey. Demographically, Foltin is mostly found amongst ethnic Slavs and those whose traditions derive from Eastern European activities.

On a global scale, Foltin is amongst one of the most less known last names. However the surname Foltin holds great importance in the history of Slovakia as its origin can be traced further back to Czech territories more than a century ago.

Variations of the surname Foltin

Foltin is a surname that can be spelled multiple different ways, depending on the region and origin. Some of these alternate spellings are Faldin, Faltin, Faulstich, Feltin, Fostin, and Fustin.

Foltin is an Italian surname that can be traced back to a region in the Veneto hills of Belluno Province of northern Italy. It is thought to have been derived from the Latin “follis” meaning bag, pouch, or pocket owing to the town’s patron saint, Saint Follinus, who was said to have carried such items in his travels.

The surname has spread to various parts of the world, and variations of its spelling still reflect the original Italian pronunciation. For instance, Faltin is used in Germany where the pronunciation would be more similar to "Falr-tin". Meanwhile, in the United States, "Faultin" is more common as a variant spelling.

In some families using the surname, the spelling has changed over time and with migration. In one example, the Fostin family of Louisiana came to be descended from a family whose name had been Foltin in Italy and Foustin in France, but who eventually permanent resided in the United States.

Overall, the Foltin surname line of descent can be seen in other variations such as Faldin, Faltin, Faulstich, Feltin, Fostin, and Fustin, although the family history and origins of each line may be quite distinct.

Famous people with the name Foltin

• Johnny Foltin: a 2014 Filmmaker of the Year nominee at the Madrid International Film Festival
• Júlia Foltin: a Brazilian actress, writer, and director
• Miroslav Foltin: a Czech MEP for the South Moravian Region
• Jana Foltinová: a Czech film, television, and stage actress
• Tomáš Foltin: a Slovak footballer
• Karel Foltin: a Czech painter, illustrator, author and film poster designer
• Zoltán Foltin: a Hungarian sprint canoer
• Adam Foltin: a Hungarian chess player
• Jaromír Foltin: a Czech rower
• Martin Foltin: a Czech republican negotiator and Slovak diplomat
• David Foltin: a Slovak entrepreneur
• Károly Foltin: a Hungarian novelist
• Pavol Foltin: a Slovak international lawyer
• Milan Foltin: a Czech football player
• Rudolf Foltin: a Czech-American playwright and author

Other surnames

Foltinek