Surname Fugate - Meaning and Origin

Tracing the Timeless Footprints of Fugates: A DNA Journey with iGENEA

My maiden voyage with iGENEA began as a curiosity-filled exploration into my familial roots. The journey uncluttered hitherto obscured aspects of my name, the Fugates' heritage. The process radiated newfound reverence for the Fugate name, borne from centuries of heritage, survival, and courage.

X. Fugate

Fugate: What does the surname Fugate mean?

The surname Fugate is believed to be of French origin, derived from the French word "fugitif," meaning "fugitive" or "runaway." The surname may have been given as a nickname to individuals who had a fugitive or elusive character, or may have been bestowed upon someone who actually had a past as a fugitive. Over the centuries, the name has transformed into Fugate. It could also have been derived from a place or location named Fugate. It's important to note that many last names have multiple potential origins, and the true origin may be uncertain. It also depends on the cultural and regional variance in names. This surname is most popular in the United States, particularly in the Eastern and Southern states.

Fugate: Where does the name Fugate come from?

The surname Fugate is of French origin. It was first found in the region of Guyenne, southwestern France. The name is derived from the French word "fugitif" which means "fugitive," indicating that it could have possibly originated as a nickname for someone elusive or difficult to catch.

The Fugate family emigrated from France to England and later to the United States. Today, the surname is most common in the United States, particularly in the regions of Kentucky and Virginia. It gained attention through its associated with the "Blue Fugates" of Kentucky, a family that carried a genetic trait leading to the disease methemoglobinemia, which makes skin appear blue.

However, about 2.7 thousand bearers of the surname Fugate are concentrated in the United States, making it rank as around the 5745th most common surname in the country. The surname has a particularly high density in Kentucky, and to a lesser extent, in Virginia and Missouri. It can also be found in England, Australia, and Canada, though with less frequency. Overall, it's quite a unique surname worldwide.

Variations of the surname Fugate

Fugate is a surname of Norman origin which is believed to have been first used in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It derives from the Old French word "fugat", meaning "shunned" or "sent away". Variations of the name have evolved and regional differences also result in variations due to pronunciation. Some alternate spellings for Fugate can include Fugatt, Fugattes, Fugate's, Fugatt's, Fugit, Fugitt, Fuggett, Fugatey, Fugeate, Fougat, and Fugert. These variations might have been introduced through error by officials registering births and marriages and also by illiteracy among the general population leading to phonetic spelling based on how the name sounded to the person writing it down.

Understandably, surnames are directly connected to lineage, hence the surname Fugate is generally considered to be unique in nature. It's crucial to understand that widely different spellings and variations of the same original surname might actually have no relation or common ancestorial history.

As an English surname, people with the Fugate surname or its variants can be found in the United States, Canada, England, and other English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the name Fugate

• Bonnie Lou Fugate: American singer-songwriter.
• Dorothy Fugate: Former backup vocalist for Sun Records artists Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.
• Glen Fugate: American racing champion and NASCAR racing executive.
• Harold T. Fugate: Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
• Mike Fugate: Musician who worked with John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, and other artists.
• Raleigh Fugate: American politician and former member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
• Randall L. Fugate: Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives.
• Warren Fugate: Member of the Georgia State Senate.
• W.C. 'Coy' Fugate, Jr.: American politician and former member of the Missouri House of Representatives. 10. Robert Patrick Fugate: American actor and film director.
• Tony Fugate: American musician, singer and songwriter.
• Robert Helen Fugate: American poet.
• Doug Fugate: Master HVAC Service Technician and author.
• Chester Lee Fugate: American professional boxer.
• Thomas Fugate: American filmmaker and composer.
• Michael Fugate: Honorary Master Sommelier and wine expert.
• Audrey Augustyn Fugate: American educator and artist.
• William G. Fugate: American attorney and politician.
• Aaron Fugate: American strength conditioning coach.
• Kay Fugate: American public librarian and former leader of the Audubon Society.

Other surnames

Fugatt