Surname Voegtlin - Meaning and Origin

Voegtlin: What does the surname Voegtlin mean?

The last name Voegtlin is a German family name, likely derived from the German word "Vögte," which refers to overlords or rulers in certain German regions of the Middle Ages. In some parts of central Germany, a Vögte was an appointed overseer entrusted with the supervision over a certain area who was in charge of taxes and ensuring the inhabitants upheld certain rules and obligations.

In the 16th century, many German families adopted their own versions of this title (e.g., "Voegtlin, Vogelin, Vogel, etc.") as last names to show their social status and prestige. It was an indication that they were local lords among the peasants and serfs who worked the land.

Today, the name Voegtlin is most commonly found in Switzerland and Austria. It is also still found in some parts of eastern Germany and in some German-speaking regions of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Few records of the Voegtlin family remain, as they were able to retain their noble status by intermarrying with wealthy families throughout Europe to preserve their wealth and power. Although the name is still in use, the ruling class it represented has since become obsolete, but its recognition as a noble family name remains.

Voegtlin: Where does the name Voegtlin come from?

The last name Voegtlin is most commonly found in Switzerland and the surrounding region. It is also known to have been a Swiss-German name originating in the Middle Ages. It is believed that the first known Voegtlins were born in the late 14th or early 15th century in Switzerland’s Valais region.

Since then, the Voegtlins have spread to other parts of Switzerland, including Zurich, Lucerne, and Lausanne. Outside of Switzerland, it is also found in Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and the United States. There are also traces of the name in Brazil and Australia but it is much less common in these countries.

Today, the last name Voegtlin is most frequently found in Switzerland, but has less of a presence in the United States. In the United States, it is most common in the Great Lakes region of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and New York. The last name is not particularly common in any other state.

Voegtlin is not an especially common name, but can still be found in many places throughout Europe and the United States. Interestingly, many of the families that share this name are connected to one another, tracing their roots back to the same small town in Switzerland.

Variations of the surname Voegtlin

Voegtlin is an old Germanic spelling and surname with multiple variants and spellings. These include Vögtlin, Vogtlin, Fegtlin, Feichtlin, Feigtlin, Geoctlin, Voegelin, Voegteling and Voegtlein. Because the surname is old and has gone through many spelling changes, it is possible for one family to have many variations.

The variants all have the same origin. The surname is derived from the old Germanic word 'Fochtl' which meant 'settler' or 'worker on land.' It was a common occupational surname and was often taken on by people who worked as stewards of estates, farmers, farmers' assistants, brewers and craftsmen.

In America, Voegtlin is sometimes seen spelled as Vaughtlin, Faughtlin, Fegtlin and Feigtlin. However, these are more likely to be a phonetic changes due to the Anglicization of German words.

The surname is also commonly found in Switzerland, particularly in and around canton of Appenzell. In this case, Voegtlin is sometimes found spelled as Feichtlin or Feigtlin, with the spelling partly dependent on dialect or region.

It is important to note that while all these surnames have a single origin, there is no evidence linking them to one specific family.

Famous people with the name Voegtlin

• Marc Vögtlin: Swiss actor
• John Voegtlin: Chief Scientist of Parallels
• Adam Voegtlin: American decathlete
• Cary Voegtlin: American biologist and botanist
• Christine Voegtlin: United States Olympic field hockey player
• Alexandre Voegtlin: Swiss-Brazilian television and dress designer
• Roman Vögtlin: Swiss ice hockey player
• Troy Voegtlin: American football coach
• Tim Voegtlin: Comedian and writer
• Marty Voegtlin: Former tourist operator and distributor in California
• Lang Voegtlin: Swiss ski mountaineer
• Tobias Voegtlin: Swiss-Canadian author and actor
• Johann Voegtlin: German civil and mining engineering professor
• Virginie Vögtlin: Swiss actress, director, producer
• Hans-Rudolf Voegtlin: Swiss physician specialized in infectious diseases
• Ueli Voegtlin: Retired Swiss professional tennis player
• Tom Vögtlin: Swiss heavyweight kickboxer
• Martin Voegtlin: German general practitioner and internist
• Markus Voegtlin: Swiss Professor of Law
• Chris Voegtlin: German Commercial Lawyer.

Other surnames

Voegtle