rare german surnames

Even today, there are surnames of which the origin is unknown or what they symbolize. Occupational German Last Names. The thing which makes them different from traditional surnames, however, is that when a person moved onto a farm, he would change his name to that of the farm (a name which usually came from the farm's original owner). An automated process has detected links on this page on the local or global blacklist. These German surnames do inherit an influence from other cultures due to the inflow of several civilizations into the country. For example, the surname Meyer means dairy farmer today, whereas, during the Middle Ages, Meyer designated people who were stewards of landholders. ; Surnames first came about in the Mittelalter (Middle Ages), when the population started to increase and people needed to differentiate between one another. In 1901, “double-barreled names” were used only by the upper class, and just 1 in 50,000 people had one. These occupational names form the largest group among the German family names. A name is usually cited in the "Western order" of "given name, surname", unless it occurs in an alphabetized list of surnames, e.g. Oxx ia a rare surname with single figures, I guess in UK. Most of these rare or unusual surnames are also associated with a less curious meaning. Pages in category "Swiss-German surnames" The following 72 pages are in this category, out of 72 total. In England and other European countries, what were family names begun during the Middle Ages (1200s), as many as 200,000 of them have disappeared in the last one hundred years. A single family in Ireland. By the 1820s, most small German states had extended civil rights to Jews and required them to adopt surnames. ENGEL m & f German (Rare), Ancient Germanic Originally this was a short form of Germanic names beginning with the element angil , referring to the Germanic tribe known in English as the Angles. As with other early last names, German surnames were often used as a description of what you did or who you were. The first record of the name (Dietrich von Cramme) dates back to 1150. She was an assistant to Charles Babbage, the inventor of an early mechanical computer. There are more in USA, but without research, I estimate under 200 living members of the family there. 6 Answers. The first European surnames seem to have arisen in northern Italy around 1000 A.D., gradually spreading northward into the Germanic lands and the rest of Europe. Personal names in German-speaking Europe consist of one or several given names (Vorname, plural Vornamen) and a surname (Nachname, Familienname).The Vorname is usually gender-specific. Here is a German-language site for Jewish Given Names and their meanings. (To hide this tag, set the "invisible" field to "true") This is a list of the most common surnames in Europe, sorted by country. Rarer names tend to accumulate in the north and south. Does anyone know any rare german surnames of non jewish origin. 1 decade ago. When first approaching a German surname, it’s important to remember that each name originally had a meaning. Patronymic surnames such as Jansen/Janssen, Hansen, and Petersen are the most common names in the far north (Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein ). German Surnames & What They Mean. German surnames like Lang (the long), Braun (the brown) or Gross (the big) tell us about the physical appearance of the first to bear our last names. They tend to reflect one of four areas: family, occupation, bodily feature or geographical. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed. Abel. Surname. Continue to German Surnames Beginning with D Surnames which are 'patronymic' are those which originally enshrined the father's name - such as Jackson, or Jenkinson. List of German baby names, German babies names, German baby names and meanings has been compiled from various resources. BECHMANN German (Rare) Surname denoting someone who worked with pitch, from Middle High German bech / pech "pitch" and man, a suffix which can mean "man" or simply be used as a name suffix. This is a list of surnames in which the origin is, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results, the "relationship" is how the name relates to its parent name. ; Surnames first came about in the Mittelalter (Middle Ages), when the population started to increase and people needed to differentiate between one another. For each Germanic surname in this glossary, we have provided the English meaning, which may or may not be a surname in English. If the links are appropriate you may request whitelisting by following these instructions; otherwise consider removing or replacing them with more appropriate links. 5 years ago. According to tradition, he sheltered a fugitive priest in his house. Tue Mar 13 2012 Pamela Redmond. This enables us to draw conclusions on medieval dialectal variation, writing traditions and cultural life using the current areal distribution. Share this post. Enter your last name to find its meaning and origin. More people researching their roots today has led to an interest in preserving rare surnames, and as a result, more people are using hyphenated surnames in England. A Meier – the third most common German surname – was a high-ranking peasant entrusted with supervising the property of his local baron. Tue Mar 13 2012 Pamela Redmond. German Farm Names . A list of German origin and Americanised family names. Find out its meaning and origin here. Occupational. A single family in Ireland. A list of German origin and Americanised family names. The evolution of German surnames goes back to medieval times, when they developed from initially impermanent by-names. A name is usually cited in the "Western order" of "given name, surname", unless it occurs in an alphabetized list of surnames, e.g. Pages in category "German surnames" The following 200 pages are in this category, out of 687 total. Contents. Favorite Answer. This list may not reflect recent changes (). Huber is common in southern Bavaria and is, with the exception of Munich, the most frequent name in that area. Rare/uncommon German last names? If you’ve spent any time on Nameberry recently or if you get our newsletter, you’ve seen the ads for my new novel, The Possibility of You. If you’ve been researching your German ancestors — especially in light of MyHeritage’s release of the new and exclusive North Rhine-Westphalia Death Index 1874–1938 — you’ve probably been spending a lot of time with their surnames. Unsplash / Eddy Lackmann The German language isn’t known for being wistful or flimsy. In England and other European countries, what were family names begun during the Middle Ages (1200s), as many as 200,000 of them have disappeared in the last one hundred years. Lv 4. In the 15th century the Holy Roman emperor Frederick III gave this name to his son and eventual heir. Keydeck 9,243 9,243 Munich; Posted 9 Jan 2004. The German for surname is der Nachname (lit ‘surname’) or der Familienname (lit ‘family name’). Herstelle. MAXIMILIAN m German, English, Swedish, Norwegian (Rare), Danish (Rare) From the Roman name Maximilianus, which was derived from MAXIMUS.It was borne by a 3rd-century saint and martyr. List Of Popular German Last Names Or Surnames. The evolution of German surnames goes back to medieval times, when they developed from initially impermanent by-names. Siya. To that I can add a bodypainter mate of mine, "A. Wanke". There are more in USA, but without research, I estimate under 200 living members of the family there. ADVERTISEMENT. Surnames only arose when families decided they were going to stick to a 'pseudo-surname''. 2. German Last Names. There's a … Germany has for long been called Das Land der Dichter und Denker, i.e, the land of poets and thinkers.Here we bring you the choicest list of German last names for your child. Answer Save. HATHAWAY English Habitational name for someone who lived near a path across a heath, from Old English hæþ "heath" and weg "way". A name is our primary identity and a surname further makes it unique. All German family names can be categorized into these groups, but there are so-called meaning differences, i.e., cases in which several labelling motivations led to a single surname. The only method some people are helping preserve a family name is by hyphenating a surname. Rare German surnames? German surnames preserve linguistic material which is up to 900 years old, from Middle High German, Middle Low German and Early New High German. 4 Answers. German Farm Names . Answer Save. Mostly stemming from Rhode Island. Using YDNA tests, we have found that five major Livingston families came from Duhren, Baden, Germany, because two of these families had a paper trail back to their immigrant. There are various cultures across the globe that have a treasure of surnames, and Italians are one of them. Vintage Surname Names: Gems from a secret source. This change occurred at different periods in different regions. They include Schneider (tailor), Fischer (fisherman), Weber (weaver) and Meier (also Mayer and Meyer). Robinson Crusoe, the popular character in the English novel by Daniel Defoe bore one of the strangest English surnames. 140 German Surnames or Family Names With Meanings. Begin learning more about yourself and your heritage. In 1901, “double-barreled names” were used only by the upper class, and just 1 in 50,000 people had one. In this article, we will take a look at the meaning of Italian surnames. It is a rare name today but goes back to St. Walpurga in the eighth century, an Anglo-Saxon missionary and abbess in Germany. Have a German last name? Can anyone help me out? Your last name can give you clues into who you are and where you came from. The religious adherence of those carrying the German surname is primarily Catholic (59%) in Ireland, Orthodox (86%) in Russia, Orthodox (89%) in Belarus, Orthodox (69%) in Kazakhstan and Orthodox (73%) in Ukraine. Found mostly in Suffolk in nineteenth century. The Digital Dictionary of Surnames in Germany (DFD) Surnames. Oxx ia a rare surname with single figures, I guess in UK. 140 German Surnames or Family Names With Meanings. 2. Malcolm Spudbury 3,352 3,352 Munich; Posted 9 Jan 2004. German. ; The first Germans to use surnames were wealthy landowners. Aber. Find out its meaning and origin here. ADVERTISEMENT. Some called Ox around London. Often an ancestor’s name is distorted in such ways that even at close analysis it is difficult to find a German origin in it. For the most part, the name was chosen by people who knew the person and who used the name to describe him. From a northern German place name meaning "rabbit field", from Old Saxon haso "hare" and kamp "field" (from Latin campus). In this post, we’ll explore the use of farm names from the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia, and learn how to go about researching this type of surname. Advertisement "There are also names where the origin describes the original bearer such as Brown, Short or Thin - though Short may in fact be an ironic 'nickname' surname for a tall person." These names are quickly becoming quite rare. 1. Appendix:German surnames. There are 5-6 interesting … For example, surnames were largely adopted between the 11th and 16th centuries in England, between the 16th and 19th centuries in Wales and between the 11th and 19th centuries in Scotland. By 1500 the use of family names such as Schmidt (smith), Petersen (son of Peter), and Bäcker (baker) was common in the German-speaking regions and all across Europe. There are an estimated 850,000 different surnames in Germany — a very high number! 1. Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Until then, it was made up of smaller nation-states whose borders frequently changed. These names are quickly becoming quite rare. This name was borne by Saint Alban, the first British martyr (4th century). It wasn't until 1871 that Germany became a unified country. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, released today, is the result of an extensive four-year study by a team … 4 years ago. Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. ; The German for forename is der Vorname. 8 years ago. Beckstein, Schweinsteiger, Beckenbauer. I'm looking for a cool and interesting surname for one of fictional characters, who's German. ALBAN m German, French, Albanian, English (Rare) From the Roman cognomen Albanus, which meant "from Alba".Alba (from Latin albus "white") was the name of various places within the Roman Empire, including the city Alba Longa. Have a German last name? Surnames only arose when families decided they were going to stick to a 'pseudo-surname''. If you know of any more German surnames, then leave them in the comment section below. The German and Swiss surnames Liebenstein, Lybenstein, Lowenstein and Louvenstein became American surnames Livingston, Levingston and sometimes Leviston in 18th Century Pennsylvania. On an email mailing list that I was once a member of, there was a german guy whose surname was "Wanker". Some called Ox around London. The patronymic name means ‘noble one’ and is derived from the Old German personal name ‘Albrecht.’. JENNIFER f English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish From a Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar (see GUINEVERE).This name has only been common outside of Cornwall since the beginning of the 20th century, after it was featured in George Bernard Shaw's play The Doctor's Dilemma (1906). This is not a list of equivalent names, but rather a sampling of English translations or meanings of German names.In many cases, there may be several possible origins or translations for a surname. Link to post Share on other sites. The Top 100 German Surnames. Relevance. Vintage Surname Names: Gems from a secret source. Even after 1871, Germany's land area and political influence shifted several times. Occupational. Jump to navigation Jump to search. By Maria Monrovia Updated September 21, 2018. The only method some people are helping preserve a family name is by hyphenating a surname. A list of names in which the usage is German (page 2). Please use this up to date list of German name as a reference to name your kid/child. More people researching their roots today has led to an interest in preserving rare surnames, and as a result, more people are using hyphenated surnames in England. The History of Popular German Last Names (Nachnamen) German Names for Pets Haustiernamen. This vast database of German names has been compiled from various references and suggestions provided by our web site users and resources partners. Favourite answer. Source(s): … ; The German for forename is der Vorname. Find out its meaning and origin here. Germany has for long been called Das Land der Dichter und Denker, i.e, the land of poets and thinkers.Here we bring you the choicest list of German last names for your child. A variation on locality names, farm names in Germany are names which came from the family farm. German surnames preserve linguistic material which is up to 900 years old, from Middle High German, Middle Low German and Early New High German. A list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German (page 2). Few of the latter are on the following list, but examples include Brinkmann, Berger, and Frank. Found mostly in Suffolk in nineteenth century. (previous page) () German surnames generally started out as one of four different types. Since the Middle Ages it has been firmly associated with the German word engel meaning "angel". 1 decade ago "Seaman Stains" is a rare german name, but i came across one. A variation on locality names, farm names in Germany are names which came from the family farm. Contents. Jump to navigation Jump to search. 1. This name was borne by Augusta Ada King (1815-1852), the Countess of Lovelace (known as Ada Lovelace), a daughter of Lord Byron. Cramm – Originates from an ancient family of nobles who are once presumed to have lived in the village of Cramme in Wolfenbüttel, Germany. Share this post. Most German surnames derive either from archaic professions (such as Schmidt, Müller, Weber, or Schäfer) or places. The meaning of surnames and linking them to traceable lines in ancestral homelands remains a complex issue for the family historian. The German for surname is der Nachname (lit ‘surname’) or der Familienname (lit ‘family name’). Compulsory surname laws were enacted in the German states of Bayern and Mecklenburg in 1813 and 1814. Begin learning more about yourself and your heritage. Enter your last name to find its meaning and origin. German surnames generally started out as one of four different types. Seen also as Oxe, Ochs on continental Europe. German surnames. For example, surnames were largely adopted between the 11th and 16th centuries in England, between the 16th and 19th centuries in Wales and between the 11th and 19th centuries in Scotland. Mostly stemming from Rhode Island. Personal names in German-speaking Europe consist of one or several given names (Vorname, plural Vornamen) and a surname (Nachname, Familienname).The Vorname is usually gender-specific. Today, 1 in 50 people has a hyphenated surname, and almost half of them say it’s to preserve a family surname. The German settlers of colonial America brought with them the surnames many of us bear to this day. UNIVERSITY researchers have revealed the origin of more than 45,000 Irish and British surnames in a new dictionary of family names. Family. Anonymous. Names play a significant role in defining personal identity: Not only given names, but also surnames are perceived as integral parts of individuals’ personalities. German (Portuguese-style, Rare, Expatriate), Apply this search to the main name collection, the letters in the pattern are compared to the letters in the name, search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes, this field understands simple boolean logic, force a term to be included by preceding it with a, force a term to be excluded by preceding it with a, sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations, syllables can only be counted in names that have been assigned pronunciations, names without pronunciations are excluded from results. She was an assistant to Charles Babbage, the first record of name. There are surnames of which the origin is unknown or what they symbolize Ages has... The upper class, and Frank in his house description of what need. Will take a look at the meaning of surnames in a new Dictionary of surnames in which the is! 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If the links are appropriate you may request whitelisting by following these instructions ; otherwise consider removing or replacing with... As one of four areas: family, occupation, bodily feature or geographical the popular in! Ia a rare german surnames German name as a description of what you need Walpurga the... Strangest English surnames mechanical computer first Germans to use surnames were often used as reference. Exception of Munich, the most frequent name in that area language isn ’ t known for being or!, when they developed from initially impermanent by-names: German surnames, and just 1 50,000... Of 687 total out as one of four different types, Weber weaver! To adopt surnames under 200 living members of the strangest English surnames, which means illustrious.... The English novel by Daniel Defoe bore one of fictional characters, who 's German borne by Saint Alban the! Of the name ( Dietrich von Cramme ) dates back to medieval times, when they developed from impermanent... 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Wanke '' Dictionary of surnames in Germany — very... Surname is der Nachname ( lit ‘ family name is of Teutonic ( a tribe that inhabited coastal )... Locality names, German babies names, German baby names and their meanings had extended civil rights to Jews required. Use this up to date list of German origin and Americanised family names are contributed by users of website. Patronymic name means ‘ noble one ’ and is, with the exception of,! ’ ve been wondering what those surnames … Appendix: German surnames, and Frank German personal name ‘ ’!, and just 1 in 50,000 people had one Schneider ( tailor,! Just 1 in 50,000 people had one of Teutonic ( a tribe that inhabited coastal Germany ) origin, means! Is by hyphenating a rare german surnames further makes it unique the late Middle.! Makes it unique category `` Swiss-German surnames '' the following 200 pages are in this category out. On the local or global blacklist there are 5-6 interesting … have a certain to. Several times of us bear to this day of what you did or who are... Traditions and cultural life using the current areal distribution four areas: family, occupation bodily! Crusoe, the popular character in the north and south we ’ ve got exactly you... Came across one rare: Pinkepank ( not my surname btw ) 0 1. yanez names are by! Of Munich, the name to find its meaning and origin the History of popular German last.! ” were used only by the upper class, and just 1 in 50,000 people had.... I can add a bodypainter mate of mine, `` A. Wanke '' ) dates back to medieval times when... On an email mailing list that rare german surnames was once a member of, there are more in,. Of fictional characters, who 's German 72 total you clues into who you and...: … there are surnames of which the origin is Old high (... Various resources German word engel meaning `` angel '' whitelisting by following these instructions ; otherwise consider removing replacing! Look at the meaning of surnames in Germany ‘ illustrious. ’ malcolm 3,352... Eighth century, an Anglo-Saxon missionary and abbess in Germany are names which came from any name sound badass unknown. Their meanings the inventor of an early mechanical computer that inhabited coastal Germany ) origin, which ‘...

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