Phelps

Phelps is a surname of English origin, likely arising as a patronymic from a medieval given name used in England. Over time, bearers of the name spread to other regions, and the surname has become established in English-speaking countries. In addition to being a family name, Phelps appears in place names and in the names of historic entities.

Notable people with the surname include Michael Phelps, an American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian, renowned for winning multiple gold medals across several Olympic Games. Beyond this widely known figure, the Phelps name has appeared in various fields such as politics, science, and the arts, reflecting its broad distribution among English-speaking populations.

Phelps is the name of several places in the United States. It is the name of towns such as Phelps, New York, and Phelps, Wisconsin, as well as Phelps County in Missouri and Nebraska. The name also appears in other geographic features and institutions, including schools and parks named for local families or individuals bearing the surname.

In corporate history, the name is associated with Phelps Dodge, a historic American mining company formed by the Phelps and Dodge families. Phelps Dodge was a major producer in copper and other minerals and was acquired by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold in 2007, creating one of the world’s largest copper producers.