Surname Folkers - Meaning and Origin
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Folkers: What does the surname Folkers mean?
The last name Folkers is of German origin and is often found in Lower Saxony and Bavaria. It is derived from the Middle High German, “volker” which means ‘people’. The name was originally a nickname for one who exhibited qualities of a folk leader, or ‘volk’, in the community – one who was esteemed and respected for their guidance. Theative of Folkers is likely to refer to someone who was a "people person" – someone with a genuine interest in others and who was a natural leader by example.
In the Middle Ages, many Germans migrated to other parts of the world, including the USA. In the US, many people adopted the Folkers surname because they admired the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of their ancestors. Today, the surname is found everywhere from conservative farming communities to highly progressive urban areas. It is not uncommon to find a Folkers on a successful business team, as well as in prominent political or charitable positions.
The name Folkers has become associated with evidence of hard work, altruism, and a sense of community spirit. It is used to describe someone who cares deeply about the welfare of others and who leads by example. The legacy of the Folkers surname lives on today and continues to be a source of pride for those that bear the name.
Order DNA origin analysisFolkers: Where does the name Folkers come from?
The last name Folkers is most commonly found throughout Europe, with large concentrations in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark. Other countries and regions where it is relatively common include Austria, Switzerland, and northern France.
In the United States, the name Folkers is largely concentrated in the states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Variations of the name are also prevalent in Eastern European countries such as Latvia, Romania, and Hungary.
The first recorded use of the name Folkers comes from the Netherlands in the 15th century, and the original bearer of the name was likely a farmer or someone connected to an agricultural trade. Over time, the name spread throughout Europe as migrations occurred.
While the origin and meaning of the name is not definitively known, many experts believe that it originated from the Dutch "volk," which translates to "people." This would point to a literal meaning of "of the people." This lends itself to the interpretation that the original bearer of the name was an individual from a larger community, or someone who was "one of the people."
Variations of the surname Folkers
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Folkers include Folkers, Volkers, Fulkers, Fulkers, Volkerts, Volkerling, Fulker, and Volkens. The surname Folkers originates from the Old Dutch ‘Volker’, which itself is derived from the Old Frisian ‘Volk’, from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘wel’. It has long been a popular surname in many countries, particularly across northwestern Europe.
In the Netherlands, the derivative suffix -s is often added to family names, such as Folkers becoming Folks or Folkers. In Germany, a variant such as Volkers can be found. Variants such as Fulkers and Fulker alike tend to common in the United Kingdom, likely as a result of the Norman invasion. The addition of the suffix -ling is common in Germany and Austria, often given to younger members of the family, such as Volkerling.
Variants such as Volkens are found in countries such as Denmark and Sweden. In former regions of the Dutch East Indies, the name has become somewhat assimilated, such as the Indonesian-Malay ‘Volkensz’ or ‘Volkens’ and the colloquial ‘Volkan’. This change is likely a result of adaptation of the name to the local languages.
In conclusion, the surname Folkers has various spellings and surnames across many countries. These spellings may have come about due to local customs or language adaptations.
Famous people with the name Folkers
- Heinz-Georg Folkers: German writer
- Ida Hayden Folkers: American medical scholar
- Betty Folkers: American pinball designer
- Jean Folkers: American architect
- Joseph Folkers: President of Folkers Brothers retail stores in Toledo, Ohio
- Chris Folkers: Professional golfer
- William Folkers: American actor
- Anton Folkers: American artist best known for his paintings of Western wildlife
- Peter Folkers: Dutch architect
- Gotthelf Folkers: German mechanical engineer and inventor