Foch is a French surname and given name of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "Vogel," which means "bird." The name Foch was first used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near bird-filled marshes or was associated with birds in some way.
The most famous bearer of the name Foch is Marshal Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929), a French military leader during World War I. Born into a family of teachers and school principals, Foch entered the École Polytechnique at the age of 17. He began his military career as an artillery officer in 1873 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Chief of General Staff in 1913.
When World War I broke out in 1914, Foch played a crucial role in the defense of France against German aggression. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Allied armies on the Western Front in March 1918 and successfully led them to victory later that year.
The name Foch has since become synonymous with military prowess and leadership. However, it is important to note that the name itself does not have any specific meaning or associations beyond its German origins and Middle Ages etymology.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the name Foch as a given name for boys. It is seen as a strong and distinctive name with a unique sound and historical significance. However, it remains relatively rare compared to other names of French origin such as Louis or Pierre.
In the United States, the name Foch experienced a notable spike in popularity during the year 1918, with a total of 58 babies being given this name. However, the following year, 1919, saw a significant decrease in its usage, with only 9 newborns being named Foch. Overall, from 1918 to 1919, there were a total of 67 births for the name Foch across the United States.