Surname Lichtfuhs - Meaning and Origin
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Lichtfuhs: What does the surname Lichtfuhs mean?
Lichtfuhs is a German surname originating from Silesia, a historical region of Central Europe. It is derived from the short form of the personal name 'Lichtfuss', which literally means "light foot" in German. This surname was given to someone who was agile or nimble. The additional 'fuhs' element could have indicated a diminutive form of the name, suggesting it was given to a young child or someone who was small in stature.
Throughout German history, many people in the area adopted this surname as a way to distinguish themselves from other families. Historians also suggest that this name could have been used to signify the area from which an individual or family originated.
Today, the surname Lichtfuhs is fairly common in Germany and is sometimes spelled different ways, such as 'Lichtfus', 'Lichtfuss', or 'Lichtfuhrs'. The majority of people with this surname live in the Silesian area of Germany, however a handful are also found in the United States. Some descendents of those who first began using the name are likely to still live in Silesia today.
Order DNA origin analysisLichtfuhs: Where does the name Lichtfuhs come from?
The last name Lichtfuhs is most commonly found in Germany. According to the database at Ancestry.com, the name has been recorded in Germany since the 1600s.
The majority of people with the surname Lichtfuhs are associated with the southern part of Germany, especially the state of Bavaria. Other areas in which the name is found are the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and the city of Berlin.
Outside of Germany, Lichtfuhs is uncommon. The most recent records that I could find with the name have been located in the United States, mainly in the midwest such as Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, and Minnesota. The earliest recorded arrival of a Lichtfuhs was in 1867 and the name has been present in the United States ever since.
It stands to reason that with such a low presence throughout the United States, the Lichtfuhs hasn't taken hold in other countries, such as the UK, Canada, or Australia.
The last name Lichtfuhs has certainly fallen by the wayside as the centuries have passed, but it's still alive and well in Germany.
Variations of the surname Lichtfuhs
The surname Lichtfuhs originated in Germany, where it is still most commonly found today. The variants of this surname include Lichtfuess, Lichtfüss, Lichtfues, Lichtfuss, and Lichtfus. Common misspellings include Leichtfuess and Liechtfuess. In Germany, Lichtfuhs is often seen as a compound surname, and so variations of this surname such as Hoflichtfuhs, Graflichtfuhs, and Silberlichtfuhs may also be found. Other variant spellings of this surname found across the world may be due to differences in regional dialects or to incorrect spellings, as was often the case for names when records were first being kept.
Despite some spelling variations, all of these surnames are all of the same origin, which is the German word "Lichtfuhs" or "Lichtfuß" meaning "light foot". This surname was likely given to people who had fast and sure feet while working, likely as a sign of commendation. While most people with this surname likely originated in Germany, it is now found throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world, especially among descendants of German immigrants.
Famous people with the name Lichtfuhs
- Joe Lichtfuhs: a South Australian politician who served on the local council and for the Australian Conservation Foundation.
- Will Lichtfuhs: a German photographer and film maker known for his work in portraiture and fashion.
- Rainer Lichtfuhs: an Austrian graphic designer and painter who has exhibited in galleries and museums across Europe.
- Tanja Lichtfuhs: a Russian artist, illustrator and curator.
- Mark Lichtfuhs: an American designer, artist and printmaker based in Portland, Oregon.
- Chris Lichtfuhs: an American comic artist and illustrator from San Francisco.
- Karl Lichtfuhs: a Swiss graphic designer and art director, who has worked in marketing, branding and product design.
- Marco Lichtfuhs: a German neuroscientist and professor who has authored several books and lectures on neuroscience and developmental psychology.
- Torben Lichtfuhs: a Danish actor and model known for his work in film and television.
- Klaus Lichtfuhs: a German artist and curator, who has exhibited in galleries around the world and is most noted for his abstract art.