Surname Vökt - Meaning and Origin
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Vökt: What does the surname Vökt mean?
The surname Vökt has German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "woeck(e)", which means "watchman". The name has been known in several German-speaking regions since the Middle Ages.
As a surname, Vökt was likely originally used to describe a person who held a position of watchman or guard. This could have referred to the guardian of a building, village, property, or other important area. The watchman's role was important, as their vigilance was necessary to protect the inhabitants from external threats.
With the gradual reformation of cities and universal introduction of regular police forces, the role of watchman dwindled. However, its influence on society never truly disappeared, and the name remains to this day. In modern times, Vökt is still often associated with its original meaning of watchman, and it is often thought to refer to someone with an eye for detail, trustworthiness, and an active dedication to protecting those around them.
The last name Vökt is still prominent in Germany today. It is a reminder of a practice that centered around the protection of one's home, village, and family, even in an age when most such responsibility had been entrusted to the larger government forces.
Order DNA origin analysisVökt: Where does the name Vökt come from?
The last name Vökt is most commonly found today in Switzerland and Austria, although it may also be found in other countries in Europe with German-speaking populations. Vökt is an uncommon last name, primarily held by individuals of German or Swiss-German descent.
In Switzerland, Vökt is found primarily in the western part of the country. It is mainly concentrated in the cantons of Aargau, Lucerne, and Thurgau. Most of the individuals with Vökt as their last name live in German-speaking parts of the country.
In Austria, Vökt is scattered throughout the country, with a greater concentration in the eastern provinces including Burgenland, Carinthia, and parts of Styria. A smaller number of individuals with the name Vökt also live in Vienna and other areas of Austria with large German-speaking populations.
The spread of the name Vökt is due to the large numbers of German-speaking Swiss and Austrians who immigrated to other parts of Europe in the 19th century and onwards. Today, individuals with the last name Vökt can be found in Germany, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere in the world.
Variations of the surname Vökt
Vökt is a Germanic surname, derived from the Middle High German word vöge, meaning "guardian." It was first used in the 13th century in Germany and Scandinavia. The corresponding modern spelling is Voigt. The surname is most commonly found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and the Nordic countries.
Variants and spellings of Vökt include:
Vögt, Voigt, Vogt, Vogts, Voigts, Vogels, Vögels, Voigels, Vogele, Vögele, Voigle, Vögle, and Voigels.
Surnames of the same origin are:
Vogelmann, Vogelman, Vogelmanns, Vogelmans, Vogelmaner, Vogelmaners, Vogelsang, Vogelsangs, Vogelsanger, Vogelsangers, Vogelsberg, Vogelsberger, Vogelsberger, Vogelsber, Vogelstra, Vogelstreet, Vogelszangs, Vogelsinger, Feldvogel, Feldvogele, Vogeler, Vogely, Vogelveer, Vogelveers, Voght, Vocht, Focht, Fochtsen, Vöchte, Voet, Voht, Voichten, Fichten, Vöcht, Vucht, Voelkel, Völkel, Voelklein, Voelkelle, Völkelle, Völkels.
In some cases, the surname has been anglicized to Fox, Fuchs, and Fookes. It has also been used as a middle name, as in the Dutch family of Gualtherus Vogelenaan, or Gualtherus Vökt.
Accompanying the surname for centuries has been the ancient Vökt family crest and coat of arms. The design features two gold lions posture on a blue shield, each clutching a gold cog wheel, symbolizing strength, protection, and diligence.
In short, the surname Vökt has a variety of spellings and variants, as well as corresponding surnames of the same origin. Together, they are associated with an age-old family crest and coat of arms.
Famous people with the name Vökt
- Hans Vökt: 20th century German composer and graphic artist.
- Hinrich Vökt: German architect, urban planner and teacher.
- Jens Vökt: German international footballer.
- Matthias Vökt: German sports journalist, speaker and news anchor.
- Ferdinand Vökt: 17th century German classical violinist.
- Dorothea Vökt: Swiss photographer and journalist.
- Lisa Vökt: Swiss fashion designer and owner of the LisaVökt brand.
- Robert Vökt: German politician, pioneer of the Green Party.
- Barbara Vökt: Austrian graphic designer and Colorgraphicx founder.
- Bernhard Vökt: 16th century Swiss painter and sculptor.