The Meaning of the Surname Fuchs

The Fuchs surname means "fox," from the Middle High German vuhs, meaning "fox." Sometimes used to describe someone with red hair, or someone considered crafty or clever - characteristics attributed to the fox. The name first came into use in the German state of Bavaria. Fox is the English version of this surname. Fuchs is the 42nd most common German surname.

• Surname Origin: German
• Alternate Surname Spellings: FUHS, FUX, FOX
  

Famous People with the Fuchs Surname

• Bernard Fuchs - French pilot and WWII hero
• Eduard Fuchs - Marxist cultural scientist
• Emil Fuchs -  German theologian
• Erich Fuchs - English physiologist
• Peter Paul Fuchs - Austrian-born conductor and composer
• Vivian Fuchs - British geologist and polar explorer

Where the Fuchs Surname Is Most Common

According to surname distribution from Forebears, the Fuchs surname is most common in Austria, where it ranks as the 11th most common last name in the country. It is also very common in Germany (36th), Switzerland (39th) and Liechtenstein (72nd). WorldNames PublicProfiler indicates that Fuchs is most widespread in eastern Switzerland, in the Zentralschweiz region, and throughout much of Austria, especially in the Graz and Landeck regions.

Surname maps from Verwandt.de indicate the Fuchs last name is most common in southern Germany, especially in the counties or cities of Munich, Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, Ostalbkreis, Cologne, Passau, Muremberg, Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, and Karlsruhe.

Genealogy Resources for the Surname Fuchs

• Meanings of Common German Surnames: Uncover the meaning of your German last name with this free guide to the meanings and origins of common German surnames.
• Fuchs Family Crest - It's Not What You Think: Contrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Fuchs family crest or coat of arms for the Fuchs surname. Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.
• Fox Y-DNA Surname Project: Individuals with the Fox surname, and variations such as Fuchs, are invited to participate in this group DNA project in an attempt to learn more about Fox family origins. The website includes information on the project, the research done to date, and instructions on how to participate.
• FUCHS Family Genealogy Forum: This free message board is focused on descendants of Fuchs ancestors around the world. Search or browse the archives for posts about your Fuchs ancestors, or join the group and post your own Fuchs query.
• FamilySearch - FUCHS Genealogy: Explore over 630,000 results from digitized historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Fuchs surname on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• FUCHS Surname Mailing List: Free mailing list for researchers of the Fuchs surname and its variations includes subscription details and a searchable archives of past messages.
• DistantCousin.com - FUCHS Genealogy & Family History: Explore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Fuchs.
• GeneaNet - Fuchs Records: GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Fuchs surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries.
• The Fuchs Genealogy and Family Tree Page: Browse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Fuchs surname from the website of Genealogy Today.

References: Surname Meanings & Origins

Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967.

Dorward, David. Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998.

Fucilla, Joseph. Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003.

Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.

Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003.

Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

https://www.thoughtco.com/surname-meanings-and-origins-s2-1422408