Følling

Følling is a Norwegian surname. It originates from the farm name "Følling" in Steinkjer, Norway. The name is believed to derive from the Old Norse word "fullr," meaning "full," likely referring to fertile land or a place with abundant resources.

The surname Følling is associated with several notable individuals in Norwegian history and modern times. One of the most significant is Ivar Asbjørn Følling (1888-1973), a Norwegian physician and biochemist who discovered phenylketonuria (PKU) in 1934. PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder that, if left untreated, can cause intellectual disability. Følling's discovery led to the development of screening programs for newborns, preventing countless cases of developmental problems. The Følling test is still used today for PKU screening in many countries.

The surname is also found, though less frequently, outside of Norway, often among descendants of Norwegian emigrants. Genealogical research can often trace individuals bearing the name Følling back to the original farm in Steinkjer or to other locations in Norway where the name has spread over time.