Fux

Fux is a German-language surname, an older or dialectal spelling of Fuchs, which means "fox." The name is found in Austria, Germany, and other German-speaking regions, and may refer to individuals bearing the surname as well as, less commonly, to other historical uses.

Johann Joseph Fux (1660–1741) is the most prominent historical figure associated with the name. He was an Austrian Baroque composer and music theorist. His Gradus ad Parnassum (1725), an instructional treatise on counterpoint written in a Latin dialogue format, became a foundational text in Western music theory and pedagogy, influencing generations of composers. Fux's own compositions include sacred choral works, masses, and other pieces written for court and church contexts in the Habsburg lands. He held a leading position at the Viennese court, contributing to the musical life of the Holy Roman Empire.

Outside of this figure, the surname continues to appear in German-speaking populations. The spelling Fux is rarely used today in standard German, where Fuchs is the common form, but historical documents and some families retain Fux. In encyclopedic references, Fux most readily refers to Johann Joseph Fux due to his historical significance in music theory.

See also Fuchs.