Surname Fips - Meaning and Origin

Fips: What does the surname Fips mean?

The surname Fips does not have a widely recognized or specific meaning. Like many surnames, it might have evolved from multiple sources and changed over time. Its roots could potentially be traced back to multiple cultures and languages depending on the specific lineage of the individual carrying the name. It may be a patronymic name, a topographic name, an occupational name, or a nickname that became a surname. If it is derived from a personal name, it could be influenced by local dialect, and might mean "son of" or "descendant of" someone originally named Fip. If it was based on location, it might describe where an ancestor lived or worked. Determining the specific meaning of the surname Fips would require more detailed genealogical research.

Fips: Where does the name Fips come from?

The last name Fips is most commonly found in the Netherlands, as well as in other parts of Europe. The surname originated in the Netherlands, likely from personal names or nicknames related to the word 'vips' (‘expensive’ or ‘luxurious’). The earliest recorded Fips dates back to 1490 in the Netherlands.

The name has many variations, including Fipps, Fipp and Fipsen. Today, the last name Fips is found primarily throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and various parts of Northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway and Finland. It is also seen in smaller numbers across other parts of Europe, including in the United Kingdom, France and Spain. In the United States, the prevalence of the last name is less, but there are some people with the last name in parts of the country, typically those of Dutch descent. As such, it is more common in states like Pennsylvania and New York, due to their large Dutch communities.

Variations of the surname Fips

The Fips surname is associated with numerous variant spellings and surnames that all share a common origin. Examples of these spellings include Fipps, Fips, Fippes, Fipp, Fippus, Fippsche, Fippe, and Fippke. In some instances, these spellings may be combined to form surnames such as FippkeFippsche or FippsFippe.

This surname is believed to have originated from Germanic elements. Specifically, the prefix "fip" or "fipp" is derived from the Latin word "fibula," which is an ancient bow pin. This implies a possible origin of the Fips surname related to the manufacture or sale of bow pins known as fibulae.

In some cases, the Fips surname may be associated with Jewish ancestry. This may be due to the similarity of the Fips surname to Fipp which is a variant of the German surname Fipsen. Fipsen is a contracted form of "F relieben," which is derived from the Yiddish term "finrelitz," meaning to withdraw funds.

Finally, the surname of Fips may have originated from the Netherlands and its former colonies. These locations were once made up of Dutch settlers and the Fips surname may have developed from either the spoken or written forms of Dutch and Flemish surnames. Examples of common Dutch and Flemish variants of the Fips surname include Fipsen, Fippen, Fua, and Fuebbels.

Overall, the Fips surname is associated with numerous variant spellings and surnames that all share a common origin. While the exact origin of the surname may remain a mystery, there are numerous clues that suggest possible origins related to Germanic elements related to bow pins, Jewish ancestry, and Dutch and Flemish settlers.

Famous people with the name Fips

• Virginia Fips: American actress known for her roles in films such as Red Dawn (1984) and Brain Damage (1988).
• Anthony Fips: An Italian actor, director, and comedian, most famous for his roles in comedies such as I Figuranti (2012).
• Steve Fips: A Welsh musician, composer, and producer who has worked on numerous film scores, including What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012).
• Robert Fips: British actor who has appeared in many television series, including Law & Order: UK (2009: 2014).
• Patricia Fips: An American photographer who has achieved acclaim for her work with children and families.
• Lyman Fips: An American photographer, most famous for his black and white street photography.
• Morgan Fips: A British actor and singer, best known for his roles in musicals such as Kinky Boots (2014: 2015) and Jesus Christ Superstar (2017).
• Ellen Fips: An American actress who has appeared in films such as The Right Stuff (1983) and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997).
• Irving Fips: A British artist, sculptor, and author who is best known for his portrait sculptures of prominent public figures.
• Thomas Fips: German football player who currently plays for FC Carl Zeiss Jena.

Other surnames

Fipps