Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Advanced Search Options

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Folger Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Folger Surname

The Folger surname has its roots in both English and German heritage, with its earliest known records originating in England. This family name has woven itself into the fabric of history through various notable figures and lineages. The Folger family tree, with its rich genealogical background, offers a glimpse into the past, reflecting a lineage that has both endured and evolved over the centuries.

Throughout history, the Folger surname has branched out significantly, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries, when many Folger families migrated to the United States. This geographic spread was further enriched by individuals such as Abiah Folger, the mother of Benjamin Franklin, and J.A. Folger, founder of the Folgers Coffee Company. The diverse achievements of the Folger family members have left an indelible mark on both American and European history, showcasing the cultural and societal contributions of this lineage.

YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights into the Folger genealogy, confirming the surname's deep-seated origins in England. The data highlights the family's expansion and migration patterns, showing how the Folger family tree has branched out from its English roots to establish a prominent presence in the United States. These records reinforce the historical narrative of the Folger family's adaptability and growth over time.

For those interested in tracing the Folger family tree, YourRoots offers a comprehensive database of Folger records, emphasizing the importance of genealogical research. By exploring these records, descendants and researchers can uncover connections and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage, linking them to the broader story of the Folger surname across centuries.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Folger Family Tree

Search more Folger trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Folger for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Folger Family Lineage

Origin of the Folger Family: Where does the Folger surname come from?

The Folger surname has its earliest known appearance in England, marking the beginning of a lineage that would evolve over centuries. This initial record provides a crucial connection to the family's genealogical origins, suggesting a strong foundation within the English soil where the family tree took root. The significance of this early instance illustrates the starting point for descendants who would eventually branch out beyond their homeland.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Folger

Throughout the early centuries, the Folger family began to spread, primarily within England, establishing roots in various regions. As time progressed, particularly during the 16th century, the family saw a notable increase in their numbers, which contributed to the expansion of family lines. These early branches of the Folger family would serve as the building blocks for future generations, setting the stage for their eventual migration and growth.

The 17th century marked a significant turning point, as many Folger families began to migrate across the Atlantic. This transition led to the establishment of Folger branches in the burgeoning United States, where they would flourish and multiply in number, further diversifying the family tree.

Tracing the Folger Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Folger surname across regions is particularly notable during the 18th century, when the family firmly established itself in the United States. By the 19th century, Folger families had significantly spread throughout the country, contributing to a rich tapestry of genealogical connections. This global migration not only enhanced the Folger family tree but also intertwined it with the broader narrative of American history and settlement.

As the 20th century approached, the Folger surname continued to surface in various parts of the world, reflecting the family's adaptability and resilience. The presence of Folger families in multiple regions underscores the global nature of their genealogy, with descendants tracing their roots back to the original branches formed centuries prior. This growth and diversification are essential for understanding the broader family history of the Folger surname.

Where to Find Folger Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Folger surname has maintained a strong presence, particularly in the United States, where many descendants reside. The global spread of the surname highlights the ongoing relevance of family connections and genealogical research. Readers are encouraged to explore Folger genealogy records in the YourRoots database to uncover their unique family histories and connect with their own branches of the Folger family tree.

Famous People with Folger (and Their Family Tree)

Peter Folger

Peter Folger was a prominent American coffee heir and socialite, best known as the longtime chairman and president of the Folgers Coffee Company. His significant career achievement includes transforming the family firm into the third largest coffee wholesaler in the United States before selling it to Procter & Gamble in 1963. Folger was also a distinguished Yale University graduate and a Marine Major during World War II. His enduring legacy in the coffee industry and his association with the affluent Folger family make him a noteworthy figure in American business history.

Peter Folger was born to James Athearn Folger, Jr. and Clare Luning, making him the paternal grandson of J. A. Folger, the founder of the Folgers Coffee Company. His first marriage to Inés Mejía linked him to a prestigious California land grant family from San Salvador. Peter's family heritage and connections further cement his place in the social elite of his time.

J. A. Folger

James Athearn "J. A." Folger Sr. (1835–1889) was a pioneering American businessman and the founder of the renowned Folgers Coffee Company. Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Folger moved to San Francisco during the Gold Rush era and capitalized on the city's high wages and burgeoning economy. He played a key role in rebuilding San Francisco after a fire and established a successful career in the coffee industry, founding the J. A. Folger Coffee Company in 1860, which remains a staple brand today. His legacy in the coffee business has left a lasting impact on American coffee culture.

Folger was the son of Samuel Brown Folger, a master blacksmith, and Nancy Hiller. His family traces its roots to English colonist Peter Folger. Growing up as one of nine children, James was the second youngest in his family. The Folger family has a rich history, with James being the uncle of Henry Clay Folger, founder of the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the great-grandfather of Abigail Folger, tragically murdered in 1969 by the Manson family.

Abiah Folger

Abiah Folger Franklin (1667–1752) was the mother of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. As a Boston resident, she married Josiah Franklin and raised their ten children in the Presbyterian tradition. Known for her wisdom and nurturing abilities, Abiah played a pivotal role in shaping her son Benjamin's character, providing him with the right balance of freedom, discipline, and support. Her influence was acknowledged by Franklin himself, who credited her with imparting valuable life lessons, including the famous "cost of the whistle" advice that guided his decisions.

Abiah was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Peter Folger, a miller and schoolteacher, and Mary Morrell Folger, a former indentured servant. Her father, of Flemish Protestant descent, fled to Massachusetts in 1635 seeking religious freedom. Abiah was the youngest of ten siblings and raised as a Baptist before moving to Boston at 21 to live with her sister. Her family history of religious reform and migration reflects a strong lineage of resilience and adaptability.

Henry Clay Folger

Henry Clay Folger Jr. (1857–1930) was a prominent American businessman who played a pivotal role in the oil industry as president and chairman of Standard Oil of New York. Known for his keen skills as a mathematician and statistician, Folger contributed significantly to the company's operations and finance management. He amassed a valuable collection of Shakespeareana, culminating in the founding of the renowned Folger Shakespeare Library. His early career involved working for Charles Pratt & Company, leading to significant positions within Standard Oil, including being elected to its executive committee and later becoming president of Socony.

Henry Clay Folger Jr. was born in New York City to Henry Clay Folger Sr. of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Eliza Jane (Clark) Folger of New York, the eldest of their eight children. He was a first cousin six times removed of Benjamin Franklin and a nephew of J. A. Folger, founder of Folger Coffee. Folger descended from Peter Foulger, the maternal grandfather of Benjamin Franklin, and Mary Foulger (née Morrill).

Mayhew Folger

Mayhew Folger (1774–1828) was a prominent American whaler and captain of the sealing ship Topaz, renowned for rediscovering the Pitcairn Islands in 1808. During this expedition, he encountered one of the last surviving mutineers from the infamous HMS Bounty, Alexander Smith, also known as John Adams. Folger's journey significantly contributed to maritime history, as he was entrusted with the Bounty's precision marine chronometer, later displayed at the British Museum. His accounts of the rediscovery were published in both the Quarterly Review and Amasa Delano's book, enhancing his legacy in nautical exploration.

Born into a distinguished Nantucket family on March 12, 1774, Mayhew Folger was the son of William Folger and Ruth Coffin, part of the influential Folger whaling dynasty. This family was deeply rooted in Quaker traditions, with ancestral ties to Peter Foulger and Mary Morrill Foulger, making Mayhew a distant cousin of Benjamin Franklin. He married his second cousin, Mary Joy, and had familial connections to notable figures like Lucretia Coffin Mott and rear admiral William Mayhew Folger. The Folger family's Quaker beliefs played a pivotal role in their community involvement, especially in the anti-slavery movement.

Folger Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Folger" has English and German origins and is associated with several notable individuals, including historical figures like Peter Folger, a Nantucket settler and grandfather of Benjamin Franklin, and J. A. Folger, the founder of the Folgers Coffee Company. The name is also linked to cultural and political contributions, with individuals such as Emily Jordan Folger, a Shakespeare scholar, and Henry Clay Folger, the founder of the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Folger

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Folger family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Folger surname to learn more.