Surname Fagin - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fagin: What does the surname Fagin mean?
The surname Fagin is of Jewish Ashkenazic origin. It is derived from the Yiddish personal name Feigel, which is a pet form of the feminine given name Feiga. This name is particularly associated with women in Eastern and Central Europe. Feiga means "bird" in Yiddish. The name might have been a sign of endearment or an occupational nickname for someone who raises and sells birds. The spelling as Fagin is used as a surname, influenced by the derogatory character Fagin in Charles Dickens’s "Oliver Twist", where Fagin is a pickpocket and the head of a group of child criminals. The use of the name caused some controversy due to its negative depiction of a Jewish individual. However, it is important to note that the name's origin does not inherently carry these negative connotations but has been unfortunately colored by this literary association.
Order DNA origin analysisFagin: Where does the name Fagin come from?
Fagin is a Jewish surname of Ashkenazi origin. It was traditionally used by Jewish families living in Eastern and Central Europe.
The original Yiddish term "Feigele" was a diminutive of "Feige", meaning "bird" in Yiddish. It evolved into different forms, including Fagin in English-speaking nations. The name came into prominence largely due to Charles Dickens's novel "Oliver Twist," in which Fagin is a major character. Subsequent anti-Semitic connotations associated with the character have made the name less common today.
Census records show that the surname Fagin is most common in the United States, with a significant presence also in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. Because Jewish people have historically migrated around the world, other pockets of people with the surname Fagin also exist in countries like Israel, Australia, and South Africa.
Variations of the surname Fagin
The surname Fagin has multiple potential variations and may be derived from different origins. Being primarily Irish, it could be traced back to the Gaelic name Ó Fagáin, meaning 'descendant of Fagán'. It might also derive from the Old Gaelic "O'Fagain". The surname possibly originates from a personal name, perhaps derived from the word "fág", meaning "leave" or "depart".
Variations and similar spellings can include Fagan, Fagans, Fegan, Fagen, Faggin, Faggan, Faggin, Phagan, O'Fagan, and so on.
It's important to note that due to numerous factors like immigration and translation between languages, surnames can often have multiple spellings. This is especially true for surnames like Fagin, with origins in non-English speaking countries. Various records have different spellings resulting in a wide variation.
People in many parts of the world may share the surname or a variation of it, without any genealogical connection due to its relatively common use and potential for transformation and localization. Therefore, it is vital for individuals researching their family history to take into account these possibilities and consider all potential variations while exploring their roots.
Famous people with the name Fagin
- Dan Fagin: An American journalist who won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2014 for his book, "Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation".
- Larry Fagin: An American poet and editor involved with the New York School, second generation.
- Benjamin Fagin: A writer known for his work on the popular video games "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," and its expansion pack "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Hearts of Stone".
- Robert Fagin: A notable figure in the world of finance, currently serving as the Merger and Acquisition, and Financial Institutions Group head for Barclays.
- Leonard Fagin: A London-based psychiatrist and psychotherapist, he was a former Head of the Department of Psychiatry of Disability at the University College London.
- Andreas Fagin: A Swedish singer who represented Sweden in the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest.
- Howard Fagin: A former American football player, known for his roles as a quarterback throughout the 1960s. It's worth remembering that Fagin is also a famous character from Charles Dickens' novel, "Oliver Twist".