Surname Fröhlich - Meaning and Origin
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Unravelling Past in Present: Unexpected Turns in My iGENEA DNA Test and the Surprises Around the Fröhlich Surname
In this undertaking of unravelling my genetic history, the iGENEA DNA test became an unpredictable journey revealing new facets to my heritage and ancestry. Of particular interest was the exploration of my connection to the Fröhlich surname and its derivations.
T. Fröhlich
read moreFröhlich: What does the surname Fröhlich mean?
The German surname Fröhlich (or Fröhlich) is derived from the Middle High German phrase "vro fruitscheit" which means happiness or joyfulness. This surname is historically associated with Germany, however, variants and cognates of Fröhlich can be found in many other countries, particularly in Europe, the United States and Canada.
The humourous, uplifting meaning of the name suggests that the first person who bear this surname may have been noted for their joy of life or lively spirit. This idea is further strengthened by the Middle High German root of the word. Likewise, it has been suggested that this name may have been given to someone who had a permanent good mood.
The Fröhlich surname has been used since at least the 1300s, and today is relatively common in Germany, the United States and Canada, in the form of Fröhlich, Frohlicher and Froehlich. It is also thought to be an Ashkenazi Jewish name, as it is recorded in various Jewish documents.
The connotations of joy and life associated with the Fröhlich surname present an interesting story to those who are fortunate enough to bear the name, providing them with a timeless reminder of their ancestors expressiveness and spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisFröhlich: Where does the name Fröhlich come from?
The last name Fröhlich is a very common surname of Germanic origin. It is found most prevalently in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein, as these countries all have a large population of German ancestry. Additionally, it is also commonly found in other parts of Europe, including Hungary, Romania, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, countries with a past or current history of German influence.
Within the United States, the Fröhlich surname is most frequently found in the Midwestern states of Ohio, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, which have historically had high concentrations of German immigrants. The states of New York, Pennsylvania, California, and other states across the country also have a significant number of individuals with the Fröhlich surname.
Other countries where the Fröhlich surname can be found include Australia, Canada, and countries of South America where people of German descent have settled. According to the U.S. Census of 2000, the Fröhlich surname was the 617th most popular surname in the United States.
Overall, the last name Fröhlich is very common today, having spread around the world due to the large-scale emigration of Germanic peoples from their homeland throughout the centuries.
Variations of the surname Fröhlich
The surname Fröhlich is a German surname derived from the adjective "fröhlich", which has several spelling variants that have developed over time. These variants include Frölich, Fröhlich, Froelich, Froehlich, Frehlich, Freilich, and Frolich.
The variations of Fröhlich are historically derived from the first name form Fröliz or Frölich. This first name is derived from the Old High German adjective frölich (meaning “happy”) and first appeared in the late 12th century. Over time, the spelling of the name has varied based on the locality and the native language/dialect of the given geographic region.
A few of the alternate surnames associated with Frölich/Fröhlich include Frölle, Freilich, Froelicher, Frolich, and Friele. Though related, these names were derived differently: Frölle derives from the Middle High German verb frölen (meaning “to rejoice”); Freilich derives from the Old German form of the name; and Froelicher, Frolich, and Friele each derive from Geographical locations, as in a town or area where the Frölich family once lived.
The name Fröhlich is still found across much of Germany, as well as in some parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. Within the United States, the surname mainly remains concentrated in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York.
Famous people with the name Fröhlich
- Heinz-Dieter Fröhlich, German actor and voice actor
- Erich Fröhlich, German actor
- Helga Fröhlich, German actress
- Monika Fröhlich, German artist
- Werner Fröhlich, Austrian filmmaker
- Erwin Fröhlich, Austrian film director
- Dolf Fröhlich, Swiss actor
- Dennis Fröhlich, German actor
- Johann Christoph Fröhlich, German engraver
- Roger Fröhlich, Swiss actor