Origin of the surname Focke

This interesting and unusual name derives in the first instance from an Old German personal name, 'Fulco' or 'Folco', translating as 'people', and found as a given name in itself or as a short form of various Germanic names with the first element 'folk'. This was in existence in England before the Norman Conquest, and was re-introduced and spread by the Normans after 1066 in the Old French forms 'Fulco' and 'Foughes'. The personal name is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Folco' and 'Fulco', and the development included: Fuke (1166), Fulk (1177), Fouke (125) and Folkes (1279).

The modern surname from this source has at least twenty-five variant forms, ranging from Folk, Folke(s), Foulk(e)s, Fulk and Fulk(e)s to Fewkes, Foakes, Fooks, Foukx, Fowke(s) and Fuke, while the typical southern counties forms, replacing 'f' with 'v', are Voak, Vokes, Volk(e) and Volk(e)s. The marriage of Henry Foulkes and Agnes Hall was recorded at St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, in London, on January 20th 1594. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Peter Fulch, which was dated 1198, in the Feet of Fines for Somersetshire, during the reign of King Richard 1, known as 'The Lionheart', 1189-1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Focke. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of focke leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname focke, and in addition to the original locations of focke, we can find out where people with the surname focke can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of focke.

The surname Focke around the world

There is a considerable probability that focke has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where focke is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname focke has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Focke

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named focke are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname focke are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname focke.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of focke could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname focke or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of focke.

Notable Figures Named Focke

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname focke, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like focke can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname focke, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname focke who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Focke and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname focke, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname focke, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of focke.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of focke, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Focke