Surname Vogd - Meaning and Origin
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Vogd: What does the surname Vogd mean?
The surname Vogd is of German origin and derives from the Middle High German word 'vogat' meaning 'bailiff'. It was originally used to describe a court officer or bailiff, typically of noble birth, who held the power to hold district courts and execute sentences. Other forms of the name, such as Vogt, Vögtin, and Vögtel, are found across Europe but are most common in German-speaking countries.
Originally, Vogds held full legal authority and were considered to be representatives of the monarch. They answered only to the King and were responsible for upholding the Crown's laws in their district. Besides holding courts and passing judgments, Vogds were also responsible for collecting taxation, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the enforcement of royal decrees. They were powerful figures who held authority over all other dignitaries in their district.
In the Middle Ages, Vogds had the authority to appoint subordinate officials to carry out their duties. They could be found both in towns and in rural areas and were often considered to be the most important figures in their district. They also held a semi-judicial role and acted as mediators during times of disputes or other unresolved conflicts.
The title of Vogd is now defunct and only survives as a surname. Over time, the Vogd surname has spread beyond its original German homeland and can now be found in many parts of the world. It serves as a reminder of the former power and respect that came with the title.
Order DNA origin analysisVogd: Where does the name Vogd come from?
The last name Vogd is most commonly found in Germanic and Eastern European countries such as Germany, Austria, and Poland. In Germany, it is among the 100 most common names.
In Austria, "Vogd" is a frequent surname found among residents of its capital Vienna and several of its provinces such as Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Salzburg. In Poland, Vogd is a popular surname across several regions, most notably in the historical region of Lesser Poland (southwestern and central Poland).
The Vogd surname is also common in other parts of Europe, including Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Norway. Outside of Europe, the name can be found in large concentrations in Canada, the United States, and various Latin American countries, most likely due to immigrants from Germanic and Eastern European backgrounds.
The origin of the name Vogd is unclear, however it is thought to be derived from the Old German word "Vogt," meaning "Guardian" or "Protector." This likely refers to a profession or title rather than a hereditary title, although it is possible that a family would have taken the name in such a case.
Variations of the surname Vogd
The origins of the surname Vogd can be found in several different countries throughout Europe. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Vogd include ‘Vogt,’ ‘Vogel,’ ‘Voigt,’ ‘Vogeler,’ ‘Voges,’ ‘Fogel,’ and ‘Foigt.’
The variations of the surname Vogd come from the German root word ‘Vogt,’ meaning ‘warden’ or ‘steward.’ This was a position of authority in the middle ages and may have been the occupation of the first person to adopt this surname. German-speaking countries, in particular, tend to use a variety of surname spellings, which is why there are many different spelling options available.
The German surname ‘Vogel’ is a variant of ‘Vogd’ and it means ‘bird’ or ‘little bird’ and was likely an occupational name for a bird catcher. The other German variant ‘Voigt’ is derived from the word ‘voigt’ meaning ‘guard’ or ‘patrol.’
The Dutch variants of the surname include ‘Vogel’ and ‘Vogeler’, both of which translate to ‘bird’. ‘Fogel’ and ‘Foigt’ are Dutch variations of ‘Vogd’ and they both mean ‘reed’ or ‘reeds,’ a type of plant growing in marshes or wetlands.
To summarize, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Vogd include ‘Vogt,’ ‘Vogel,’ ‘Voigt,’ ‘Vogeler,’ ‘Voges,’ ‘Fogel,’ and ‘Foigt.’ These names all originate from German-speaking countries and have roots in positions of authority and plants and animals associated with wetlands or marshes.
Famous people with the name Vogd
- Andrew Vogd: Canadian actor in “Dumbstruck,” “Coconut Country,” and “The Curse of Lilith Ratchet.”
- John Vogd: Liechtenstein apart-time pop superstar, vocalist and acoustic guitarist.
- Jan-Baptiste Vogd: French musical composer renowned for his “Cantata No. 1.”
- Maximilian Vogd: German contemporary artist famous for his minimalist sculptures and conceptual photography.
- Rudolf Vogd: Purchasing director and owner of Mobilemechanic, a car service and repair company.
- Svetlana Vogd: Russian Table Tennis champion and bronze medalist at the Mediterranean Games in 2002.
- Lutz Vogd: German actor, best known for his work in theatre and television, including starring roles in the TV shows “Freundschaft Plus” and “Das perfekte Paar.”
- Chris Vogd: Professional baseball player who played for the Florida Marlins from 2011-2013.
- Christine Vogd: American dancer, choreographer, and educator, founder and artistic director of the Neon Dance Company.
- Jörg Vogd: Germany’s Minister of State for Culture, responsible for film and media.