Hopefully the name of the blog gives it away, but for those who do not know, my surname (Feit) is pronounced “Fight“.
Don’t feel bad if you weren’t sure. In my life, I’ve found those having to pronounce my last name – an unlucky bunch of teachers, telemarketers, customer service reps, hotel/airline employees, professional colleagues, and more – only have about a 10% success rate. Here are some of the common mispronunciations I’ve heard:
- feet
- fee-it
- fate
- felt
- fit
I have always been told the name is German, although I’m pretty sure the family tree originates to Luxembourg. Living in the Midwest, which contains a pretty large population of Germans and immigrants from other central European countries, I am always surprised how many people don’t stand a chance with four simple letters – it’s the “ei” that trips ’em up.
I’ve attempted to use some of the different translator sites to determine just what “Feit” means, but without a lot of success. Google Translate gave me Latvian (faith) as well as Dutch (fact) and Norwegian (fat). Personally, I like to believe that it means “faith” – not only because that provides an honorable trait to my family name, but because of this sweet George Michael cover by some group called the Rainbow Ponies (God bless YouTube).
Feit Can Write 
17 Comments
I feel your pain, I deal almost daily with the Damon vs. David vs. Damien vs. Mr. Bruce Willis. What can you do?
What part of the midwest are you from? You’re probably related to me.
Kevin Feit
I just read your “About” tab… are you one of the Feits from around Beatrice, NE? If so, then yes we are are related, and your ancestors moved from Bissen, LUX around 1870 to Illinois (then to MN, NE, etc.) I have the family genealogy pulled together including birth records from the church in Bissen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bissen
I have yet to make it to the Feit family reunion, but apparently the next one is being held on August 5th at my parents farm near Rushmore, MN.
Take care.
Kevin
Yes – my father (Darrell) was born in Beatrice, NE. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a reunion in MN, but try to make it to the ones in NE. Hopefully, we’ll see each other sometime.
Very cool. I’m currently living in Denver. Peg (Gordon) Kilker, and Staci Gordon both live out here as well, and we see each other often. I’m sure you probably have met them at one of the Feit reunions in NE.
Kev
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, so much.
I used to work in sales for a guy with Brian-May-esque hair, and he had a little drawing of his hair on his business card. I’ve been looking for a boxing glove graphic to use in the same manner.
You’re very welcome.
In an advertising design class, we were to come up with a “brand” for ourselves. I really wanted to use the iconic Muhammad Ali / Sonny Liston image (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1152502/1/index.htm) but I wasn’t a good enough designer to make it work.
I don’t have it any more, but I did use a boxing glove for the business card and letterhead. Since I’m not much of an artist/desiger (hence, why this is not Feit Can Draw) I recall they looked pretty ugly, but I’m guessing there is a good stock image that would work.
My Surname is also Feit, living up in North Eastern canada. the genealogy does go back to the Prague area and the name comes from St. Vitus the patron saint protector from fire and lightning and was one of the 14 holy helpers apparently. just some food for thought.. cheers!
Hi Robert and all Feit people! My name is Michael Feit and live in Cape Breton,Nova Scotia Canada. I am 65 yrs. old and have lived here all my life. My Father, Joseph,(1909-1975)along with 4 sibslings were born in Czechoslovakia to Frank and Anna Feit. I’d be interested in hearing from anyone with the Feit surname.
Hi Michael Im the son of Mathias (Tiker) I havent heard you name in a long time , hope all is well in Cape Breton
Hello, We may be related my Grandmother’s last name was Feit & she Married Robert Karlichek, they moved to Flint Michigan and had 6 children, Frank,Robert,Joe,Stanley, my Mother Caroline and Jennie. My Mother told me we had Family living im Nova Scotia hopefully we are related.
My Name is Cynthia by the way , hope to hear from you Mike
Hey
My name is Kevin Feit. I am from Germany.
I never thougt that there are more outside =)
I live close to Luxembourg.
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