Old german surnames
Author: t | 2025-04-24
A list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German (page 4). Names. Introduction; Browse Surnames; Advanced Search; Most Common; Namesakes; Submitted Surnames; Interact. Message Boards This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken in southern Germany. More Filters.
Category : German surnames from Old High German - Wiktionary
EalaEala is a Filipino surname potentially originating from the 1849 Claveria Decree, leading Filipinos to adopt surnames based on local features, Spanish influences, or other sources. Its precise meaning and origins remain unclear.Origin: FilipinoMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: EH-ah-lahNamesakes: Michael Eala, a professional Filipino junior tennis player. Cute EmeighEmeigh, derived from the German surname Emich, blends ancient Germanic meanings like “home” or “brave” and “powerful.” Predominantly found in Western Pennsylvania, its bearers trace their lineage back to Germany.Origin: English, GermanMeaning: Rich housePronunciation: EE-mayVariations: Emich, Emerich, EmmrichPopularity: A relatively rare option, with approximately 378 bearers in the U.S. Traditional, Badass FeatherstonhaughFeatherstonhaugh is a historically significant English surname tied to landownership and the aristocracy. Its pronunciation is a fascinating example of how English surnames can dramatically differ from their spelling.Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Feather-stone clearingPronunciation: FEHN-showVariations: Featherstone, Fetherstonhaugh, FeatherstonehaughNamesakes: George William Featherstonhaugh, a British-American geologist and geographer. Complicated, Strong, Traditional FeoThis unique surname is found among families in Madrid, Valencia, Castile and Leon, the Basque Country, and Catalonia in Spain. Despite its unflattering meaning, it continues to be used and proudly carried by its bearers.Origin: SpanishMeaning: UglyPronunciation: FEH-oh Strange FjellstadFjellstad is a picturesque option among our uncommon last names, indicating a familial connection to mountainous farming areas in Norway. It’s also a village in Raelingen, Norway, home to 943 people as of 2005. The name reflects Norway’s natural beauty and rugged terrain.Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Mountain farmPronunciation: FYELL-stahd Beautiful, Natural FogdtFogdt is a Danish occupational surname meaning “bailiff,” originally for a sheriff or law official. It may also be a rare Polish form of the German Vogt, linking bearers to roles in administration or management.Origin: Danish, Polish, GermanMeaning: BailiffPronunciation: FOH-tVariations: Vogt, Foged Traditional FosseyFossey is a rare English surname from the lost Bedfordshire location Fotsey, recorded as “Foteseige” in 969 and “Foteseye” in 1247. It combines the Old English “Fōt” (a personal name) and “ēg” (island, dry land in marsh), reflecting its landscape origins.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Fōt’s island, dry land marshPronunciation: FAH-see Traditional FroissartFroissart, a French surname derived from “froisser” (to crush/crinkle), is historically significant, notably linked to Jean Froissart, a chronicler of the Hundred Years’ War. It implies
Old Germanic Submitted Surnames - Behind the Name
This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken in southern Germany.Aartsma FrisianMeans "son of Arend", the suffix -ma indicating that it is of Frisian origin.Abbink DutchFrom various Dutch places meaning "(farm) belonging to Abbe".Acker German, EnglishDenoted a person who lived near a field, derived from Middle English aker or Middle High German acker meaning "field".Ackermann GermanDenoted a person who lived near a field, from Middle High German acker "field" and man "man".Aggio ItalianPossibly from the name Aggius, probably related to the Germanic name Agi.Aiolfi ItalianMeans "son of Aiolfo", which is derived from the Germanic name Agilulf.Aldershof DutchMeans "Aldert's courtyard" from the given name Aldert combined with Dutch hof "yard, court".Alduino ItalianDerived from the Italian given name Alduino, derived from the Germanic name Aldwin.Alma FrisianMeans "son of Ale 2", the suffix -ma indicating that it is of Frisian origin.Althaus GermanName for a person dwelled in or by an old house, from German alt "old" and haus "house".Anker Dutch, Danish, NorwegianMetonymic surname for a sailor, meaning "anchor" in Dutch, Danish and Norwegian.Assink DutchFrom a place name meaning "(farm) belonging to Asse".Aue GermanFrom German meaning "meadow by a river, wetland". There are many places with this name in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.Auer GermanFrom German Aue, Old High German ouwa, meaning "meadow by a river, wetland".Baarda FrisianFrom the name of the town of Baard in the Netherlands, possibly derived from a given name that was a variant of Bert.Baardwijk DutchFrom the name of a town in the Netherlands, possibly from Baard, a variant of Bert, and wijk meaning "neighbourhood, district".Bach 1 GermanTopographic name for someone who lived by a stream, from Middle High German bach meaning "stream". This name was borne by members of the Bach musical family, notably the composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).Bachmann GermanDenoted a person who lived near a stream, from Middle High German bach "stream" and man "man".Bachmeier GermanOriginally referred to a farmer whose farm was beside a stream, from Middle High German bach "stream" and meier "steward, tenant farmer".Baldinotti ItalianDerived from the given name Baldinotto, from the Latin name Baldinoctus, a diminutive of Baldo.Bardolph LiteratureThe name of a drunken thief and frequent companion of John Falstaff in four of William Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare probably adapted it from the aristocratic English surname Bardolf, now rare, which was itself derived from the Germanic given name Bardulf.Bauer GermanFrom Old High German bur meaning "peasant, farmer".Baum German, JewishMeans "tree" in German. A famous bearer was the American author L. Frank Baum (1856-1919).Baumann German, JewishFrom Middle High German bumann meaning "farmer, builder".Baumbach GermanFrom a place name meaning "tree stream" in German.Baumgartner GermanOccupational name for a person who worked or lived at an orchard, from German Baumgarten "orchard" (derived from Baum "tree" and Garten "garden").Baumhauer GermanOccupational name meaning "woodcutter", derived from German Baum "tree" and hauen "to chop".Becker GermanDerived from Middle High German becker meaning "baker".Bergmann GermanFrom Old High German berg meaning "mountain" and man meaning "man", originally denoting someoneOld Germanic Origin Surnames - Behind the Name
Badass, Strong PoggialiPoggiali suggests ancestral ties to hilly or mountainous regions in Italy. This reflects a common naming practice in Italy, where surnames describe the family’s location or the nature of the area where the ancestors lived.Origin: ItalianMeaning: Dwellers by the hillsPronunciation: poh-gee-AH-lee Cute, Unique, Natural QuenbyQuenby originates from Whenby near York, England, known as Quennebi in 1086 and Quenby in 1338. Meaning “woman’s farmstead” or “woman’s village,” Quenby may suggest a matriarchal significance or a female-dominated settlement in medieval England.Origin: Old Norse, EnglishMeaning: Woman’s villagePronunciation: KWEN-bee Mystical, Beautiful QuillenQuillen is a badass option among our uncommon last names, possibly referring to an ancestor known for hunting bear cubs or symbolizing youth and vitality. This traditional name carries a unique heritage, linking bearers to wildlife and the natural world.Origin: IrishMeaning: Descendant of the cubPronunciation: KWIL-len Badass, Natural, Strong QuispeQuispe is a surname from the Quechua people, native to the Andes in South America. It’s fairly common there but rare worldwide, showing the unique heritage and language of the Quechua culture.Origin: QuechuaMeaning: FreePronunciation: KEE-spe Traditional, Unique RannebargerRannebarger was likely an Americanized form of a German surname, possibly from “Ranne” combined with the German “-berger” (mountain, hill). The descendants of this ancestor are almost exclusively found in Illinois and Ohio.Origin: German, EnglishMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: RAN-uh-bar-ger Unique, Strange, Complicated RawlinsonRawlinson is a patronymic English surname meaning “Rowland’s son,” linked to the Middle English name Raulin or Rollinson. It may also come from the Germanic Ralph, meaning “advice of the wolf.” It’s mainly found in northwestern England.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Rowland’s sonPronunciation: RAW-lin-sonVariations: Raulin, Rollinson, RalphNamesakes: Sir Henry Rawlinson, a senior British Army officer in World War I. Badass, Traditional RuggerRugger may be an Anglicized form of the Italian Ruggieri or Ruggeri. Both are derived from Ruggiero, the Italian equivalent of Roger (“famous spear”). This mysterious surname has a powerful ring to it!Origin: Italian, EnglishMeaning: Famous spearPronunciation: RUG-erVariations: Ruggieri, Ruggeri Unique, Strange, Strong SacheverellSacheverell is an aristocratic surname of Norman French origin, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest. The original bearer likely had an occupation related to deer hunting or trading deer meat.Origin: FrenchMeaning: Sacking the. A list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German (page 4). Names. Introduction; Browse Surnames; Advanced Search; Most Common; Namesakes; Submitted Surnames; Interact. Message Boards This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken in southern Germany. More Filters.Old High German Origin Surnames - Behind the Name
Origins Available: Germany Etymology of RufusWhat does the name Rufus mean?The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Rufus family. Nickname surnames, such as Rufus, were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The family name Rufus is a name for a person associated with the color red. The name comes from the Old German word "rot," meaning "red," and could have indicated that its bearer had red hair or a red beard, lived in a red house, or often dressed in red clothes. Early Origins of the Rufus familyThe surname Rufus was first found in Bavaria, where the name could be considered to have made a great contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of modern Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses which played important roles in the tribal and national conflicts, with each group seeking power and status in an ever changing territorial profile. Chronicles first mention the brothers Jeckel and Tilke Rote of Breslau in 1350, and Merklin der Rotter of Esslingen in 1307. Literally the name meant "red-haired" or "red-bearded," thus the oldest variation was possibly "Rothbart." Early History of the Rufus familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rufus research. Another 274 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1245, 1288, 1300, 1360, 1434, 1552, 1620, 1653, 1668, 1700 and 1704 are included under the topic Early Rufus History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Rufus Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Rufus include Rothe, Rote, Rot, Roth (southern Germany), Roter, Rother (Silesia), Rothe, Rothbart and many more. Early Notables of the Rufus familyProminent among members of the name Rufus in this period include Johannes Rothe (1360-1434), a Thuringian priest whoOld High German Submitted Surnames - Behind the Name
All surnames with 'G' Gestman: What does the surname Gestman mean?The last name Gestman is a Jewish surname originating from central and eastern European countries such as Germany, Poland, and Hungary. The origin of the name comes from the German word Geste which refers to someone involved in trading or handing merchandise. It can also be used to describe an innkeeper or an entrepreneur, or someone lavish and generous.The surname likely found its way to Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages as people settled there, making it their new home. It was adopted as a Jewish name by those who had converted to the Jewish faith in countries such as Poland and Hungary. In Poland and Hungary, Gestman was spelled “Gostman” and the “G” was replaced by a “J” after the Jews were forced to adopt surnames during the 19th century. Gestman is a common name among the Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe and is found today in both Jewish and non-Jewish populations. The name has spread to countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Israel, and Canada due to increased migration over the years. Gestman is a surname that has been passed down through generations in often uncertain and difficult times. It has survived as an emblem of resilience and endurance among its bearers.Order DNA origin analysisGestman: Where does the name Gestman come from?The surname Gestman is quite rare and not commonly found across the globe. The exact origin of the surname is not easily identifiable, although it could potentially have Germanic or Jewish roots based on the composition and phonetics of the name. The name possibly could be a compound of 'Gest' (a middle high German term for a stranger or guest) and 'man' (a common suffix in surnames, often referring to a worker or inhabitant). However, this is purely speculative without further genealogical research. Today, the surname Gestman might be found in various countries in small numbers, including the United States, based on online residential listing databases. In general, the distribution of the name is very sparse and does not significantly concentrate in one single geographical area. As with any surname, the best way to determine its origin and prevalence is through in-depth genealogical research, as migration, transliteration, and regional variations can significantly affect the distribution and evolution of surnames.Variations of the surname GestmanThe surname Gestman could potentially have several variations, depending on geographic location, translation, phonetics, and historical changes. The variants could include Gastman, Gostman, Gastmann, Gostmann, Gestmann, Gestmen, Ghestman, Geistman, Geistmann and others. These alterations could result from transcription errors or deliberate changes made due to emigration, immigration, or other significant events. The suffix "-man" or "-mann" are common in Germanic surnames, and "Gest-", "Gast-", "Gost-" and "Geist-" could be derived from different root words. For instance, "Geist" in German means "spirit" or "ghost", and "-mann" often denotes "man" or "worker". Gest or Gast can refer to "guest" in German language, while Gost is a language characterisation more corresponding to Eastern European and SlavicCategory : Surnames from Old High German by language
Common surnames in the U.S. are:Smith - An English last name meaning “a blacksmith.” Johnson - A surname of English and Scottish origins meaning “son of John.” Williams - An English and Welsh surname meaning “son of William.” Brown - A surname of English, Scottish, and Irish origins meaning “brown hair or dark skin.” Jones - An English and Welsh surname meaning “God’s grace.” Garcia - A Spanish or Basque patronymic surname that derives from an ancient and now-forgotten first name. Miller - An English and Scottish occupational surname meaning “miller.” Davis - An English and Welsh surname meaning “beloved.” Rodriguez - A Spanish surname meaning “Rodrigo’s family.” Martinez - A Spanish surname meaning “Martin’s family.” Uncommon Last Names and Meanings Some unique last names are more modern or rare. For many people having a more uncommon last name may be exciting or frustrating if it’s often difficult to pronounce for others. Do you see your name on this list of unique last names?Affinito - Italian, meaning: perfected, completed, done. Borseth - Norse, meaning: stronghold. Lista - Galician, meaning: from Lista. Maruska - Czech, meaning: Maria. Weldon - Old English, meaning from the springs.Cool Last Names and Meanings We know you don’t generally pick your last name, but we have to admit, these names are just kind of awesome. Whether they reference someone famous and fabulous or their meaning is just plain cool, these are definitely some of our chosen stage-last-names.Armstrong - Old English, meaning: strong-armed warrior. Bardot - French, meaning: from Bardot. Boone - Latin, meaning: good. Hendrix - Old English: Lord’s Manor. Monroe - Irish, the mouth of the Roe River. Thatcher - Old English, roof-fixer.Search for the Origin of Your Last NameIf reading this article has left you itching to know where your last name comes from and what its meaning is, try searching our database of surnames! Unlike first names, which are often unique, last names tell a story. Are you a Garcia, a Nguyen, or a Zielinski? Or perhaps your family name is far less common. You can learn a lot about your family history by tracing the meaning of your last name as well as other surnames in your lineage. You might learn about the occupations your ancestors held or what towns they hailed from! Last names change through generations when children are given a surname by one of their parents. Use our Last Name Search Tool to look up your mother’s maiden name or a last name that your cousin ended up with. Surnames are a fun gateway to doing genealogy research or learning about your family tree! Don’t believe we’ll have your surname on the list? We challenge you to give it. A list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German (page 4). Names. Introduction; Browse Surnames; Advanced Search; Most Common; Namesakes; Submitted Surnames; Interact. Message Boards This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken in southern Germany. More Filters. A list of surnames in which the usage is German; and the origin is Old High German (page 2). Names. Introduction; Browse Surnames; Advanced Search; Most Common; Namesakes; Submitted Surnames; Interact. Message Boards; Submit a Name This is a list of surnames in which the usage is German; and the origin is Old High German. More Filters.Comments
EalaEala is a Filipino surname potentially originating from the 1849 Claveria Decree, leading Filipinos to adopt surnames based on local features, Spanish influences, or other sources. Its precise meaning and origins remain unclear.Origin: FilipinoMeaning: UnknownPronunciation: EH-ah-lahNamesakes: Michael Eala, a professional Filipino junior tennis player. Cute EmeighEmeigh, derived from the German surname Emich, blends ancient Germanic meanings like “home” or “brave” and “powerful.” Predominantly found in Western Pennsylvania, its bearers trace their lineage back to Germany.Origin: English, GermanMeaning: Rich housePronunciation: EE-mayVariations: Emich, Emerich, EmmrichPopularity: A relatively rare option, with approximately 378 bearers in the U.S. Traditional, Badass FeatherstonhaughFeatherstonhaugh is a historically significant English surname tied to landownership and the aristocracy. Its pronunciation is a fascinating example of how English surnames can dramatically differ from their spelling.Origin: Old EnglishMeaning: Feather-stone clearingPronunciation: FEHN-showVariations: Featherstone, Fetherstonhaugh, FeatherstonehaughNamesakes: George William Featherstonhaugh, a British-American geologist and geographer. Complicated, Strong, Traditional FeoThis unique surname is found among families in Madrid, Valencia, Castile and Leon, the Basque Country, and Catalonia in Spain. Despite its unflattering meaning, it continues to be used and proudly carried by its bearers.Origin: SpanishMeaning: UglyPronunciation: FEH-oh Strange FjellstadFjellstad is a picturesque option among our uncommon last names, indicating a familial connection to mountainous farming areas in Norway. It’s also a village in Raelingen, Norway, home to 943 people as of 2005. The name reflects Norway’s natural beauty and rugged terrain.Origin: NorwegianMeaning: Mountain farmPronunciation: FYELL-stahd Beautiful, Natural FogdtFogdt is a Danish occupational surname meaning “bailiff,” originally for a sheriff or law official. It may also be a rare Polish form of the German Vogt, linking bearers to roles in administration or management.Origin: Danish, Polish, GermanMeaning: BailiffPronunciation: FOH-tVariations: Vogt, Foged Traditional FosseyFossey is a rare English surname from the lost Bedfordshire location Fotsey, recorded as “Foteseige” in 969 and “Foteseye” in 1247. It combines the Old English “Fōt” (a personal name) and “ēg” (island, dry land in marsh), reflecting its landscape origins.Origin: EnglishMeaning: Fōt’s island, dry land marshPronunciation: FAH-see Traditional FroissartFroissart, a French surname derived from “froisser” (to crush/crinkle), is historically significant, notably linked to Jean Froissart, a chronicler of the Hundred Years’ War. It implies
2025-04-04This is a list of surnames in which the origin is Old High German. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken in southern Germany.Aartsma FrisianMeans "son of Arend", the suffix -ma indicating that it is of Frisian origin.Abbink DutchFrom various Dutch places meaning "(farm) belonging to Abbe".Acker German, EnglishDenoted a person who lived near a field, derived from Middle English aker or Middle High German acker meaning "field".Ackermann GermanDenoted a person who lived near a field, from Middle High German acker "field" and man "man".Aggio ItalianPossibly from the name Aggius, probably related to the Germanic name Agi.Aiolfi ItalianMeans "son of Aiolfo", which is derived from the Germanic name Agilulf.Aldershof DutchMeans "Aldert's courtyard" from the given name Aldert combined with Dutch hof "yard, court".Alduino ItalianDerived from the Italian given name Alduino, derived from the Germanic name Aldwin.Alma FrisianMeans "son of Ale 2", the suffix -ma indicating that it is of Frisian origin.Althaus GermanName for a person dwelled in or by an old house, from German alt "old" and haus "house".Anker Dutch, Danish, NorwegianMetonymic surname for a sailor, meaning "anchor" in Dutch, Danish and Norwegian.Assink DutchFrom a place name meaning "(farm) belonging to Asse".Aue GermanFrom German meaning "meadow by a river, wetland". There are many places with this name in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.Auer GermanFrom German Aue, Old High German ouwa, meaning "meadow by a river, wetland".Baarda FrisianFrom the name of the town of Baard in the Netherlands, possibly derived from a given name that was a variant of Bert.Baardwijk DutchFrom the name of a town in the Netherlands, possibly from Baard, a variant of Bert, and wijk meaning "neighbourhood, district".Bach 1 GermanTopographic name for someone who lived by a stream, from Middle High German bach meaning "stream". This name was borne by members of the Bach musical family, notably the composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).Bachmann GermanDenoted a person who lived near a stream, from Middle High German bach "stream" and man "man".Bachmeier GermanOriginally referred to a farmer whose farm was beside a stream, from Middle High German bach "stream" and meier "steward, tenant farmer".Baldinotti ItalianDerived from the given name Baldinotto, from the Latin name Baldinoctus, a diminutive of Baldo.Bardolph LiteratureThe name of a drunken thief and frequent companion of John Falstaff in four of William Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare probably adapted it from the aristocratic English surname Bardolf, now rare, which was itself derived from the Germanic given name Bardulf.Bauer GermanFrom Old High German bur meaning "peasant, farmer".Baum German, JewishMeans "tree" in German. A famous bearer was the American author L. Frank Baum (1856-1919).Baumann German, JewishFrom Middle High German bumann meaning "farmer, builder".Baumbach GermanFrom a place name meaning "tree stream" in German.Baumgartner GermanOccupational name for a person who worked or lived at an orchard, from German Baumgarten "orchard" (derived from Baum "tree" and Garten "garden").Baumhauer GermanOccupational name meaning "woodcutter", derived from German Baum "tree" and hauen "to chop".Becker GermanDerived from Middle High German becker meaning "baker".Bergmann GermanFrom Old High German berg meaning "mountain" and man meaning "man", originally denoting someone
2025-04-04Origins Available: Germany Etymology of RufusWhat does the name Rufus mean?The German state of Bavaria is the ancestral home of the Rufus family. Nickname surnames, such as Rufus, were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The family name Rufus is a name for a person associated with the color red. The name comes from the Old German word "rot," meaning "red," and could have indicated that its bearer had red hair or a red beard, lived in a red house, or often dressed in red clothes. Early Origins of the Rufus familyThe surname Rufus was first found in Bavaria, where the name could be considered to have made a great contribution to the feudal society which became the backbone of modern Europe. The name became prominent in local affairs and branched into many houses which played important roles in the tribal and national conflicts, with each group seeking power and status in an ever changing territorial profile. Chronicles first mention the brothers Jeckel and Tilke Rote of Breslau in 1350, and Merklin der Rotter of Esslingen in 1307. Literally the name meant "red-haired" or "red-bearded," thus the oldest variation was possibly "Rothbart." Early History of the Rufus familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rufus research. Another 274 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1245, 1288, 1300, 1360, 1434, 1552, 1620, 1653, 1668, 1700 and 1704 are included under the topic Early Rufus History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Rufus Spelling VariationsOne can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Rufus include Rothe, Rote, Rot, Roth (southern Germany), Roter, Rother (Silesia), Rothe, Rothbart and many more. Early Notables of the Rufus familyProminent among members of the name Rufus in this period include Johannes Rothe (1360-1434), a Thuringian priest who
2025-04-23