Surname Fogle - Meaning and Origin

The Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on Understanding Personal Identity and Heritage: Reflecting on the Surname Fogle

The revelations of my iGENEA DNA test have sparked a transformative journey into exploring my personal identity and the rich heritage associated with the surname Fogle. This exploration has beckoned me to invest time into understanding my past and celebrating my roots, positively influencing my self-perception and instilling a sense of pride for my lineage.

O. Fogle

Fogle: What does the surname Fogle mean?

The surname Fogle has its roots in central Europe, primarily in Germany. The exact meaning varies, however, most etymologists suggest the surname Fogle derives from the Middle High German term "vogel," meaning “bird.” It was often used as a nickname for a person who was believed to bear a fancied resemblance to a bird, either in their physical features or characteristics. It could also indicate an occupation such as bird catching or as a keeper of birds. Over the centuries, the surname spread across Europe and underwent various spelling changes. Today, many versions of the surname like Fogel, Vogel, Fogl, Vogle, and others exist worldwide. Despite the many iterations, they all predominantly trace their roots back to this German origin and meaning. Please note that meanings of surnames can vary based on geographical regions and historical contexts, so there might be other interpretations as well.

Fogle: Where does the name Fogle come from?

The surname Fogle is of German origin. It traces back to the Bavarian area of Germany and means "bird". It is derived from the Middle High German term "vogel", which was used as a nickname for someone with bird-like characteristics or to describe someone who lived in a house marked with the sign of a bird. The name evolved into several variations over time across different regions such as Vogel, Voegel, Fogle, Fogel, Vogle, Vogels, and others.

Today, the last name Fogle is most commonly found in the United States, specifically in states like California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ohio. It is also present but less common in countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and Israel. Despite its German origins, the surname is not very prevalent in modern Germany, likely due to emigration patterns in the 18th and 19th centuries. In general, the patronymic surname Fogle has spread across the world due to the global movement of people over time.

Variations of the surname Fogle

The surname Fogle may have several variants and spellings due to geographical distribution, translation, or simple misspelling. Variations of the name can include Fugel, Fogel, Vogel, Vogle, Fogleman, Fugelman, Fogelman, and Vogelman.

The surname could also have been altered slightly in different areas, leading to versions such as Fogal, Vogal or Fugal. It's also possible for Fogle to change its form depending on the grammatical context, particularly in languages that use grammatical cases, leading to names such as Fogle's, Fogleman's, etc.

The origin of the surname Fogle is considered to be German, and it is believed to have been a topographic or occupational name, derived from vogel, meaning "bird". The alternate spelling Vogel is a common surname in Germany and is the direct spelling of "bird" in German.

Americanization of the surname could also have given rise to alternative spellings, particularly among immigrants. As with many surnames, tracing exact variants can be challenging due to inconsistent record-keeping in the past.

Famous people with the name Fogle

• Jared Fogle: Known as the Subway Guy, Fogle is a former spokesperson for the Subway franchise who gained fame for his significant weight loss attributed to eating Subway sandwiches.
• Abram Fogle: A notable politician from Washington Courthouse, Ohio, Fogle served as the 16th mayor of the city in the 1880s.
• Arthur Fogle: A well-loved American photographer noted for his black and white photography focusing on nature and architecture.
• Edward H. Fogle: A chemist who became well-known in scientific communities for his work on organic compounds.
• Jessica Fogle: An American singer-songwriter and pianist, Jessica has released several well-received albums throughout her career.
• Benjamin F. Fogle: A military figure in the United States who served as a soldier during the Civil War and later became a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization composed of veterans.
• Sandra Fogle: An author noted for her influential books in the field of education, focusing on childhood development and teaching methodologies. It should be noted that some people on this list may not be "famous" in the traditional sense, yet they have made notable contributions in their respective fields.

Other surnames

FoglFoglarFoglerFögler