Surname Lautenschlager - Meaning and Origin
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Lautenschlager: What does the surname Lautenschlager mean?
The last name Lautenschlager is a German surname, derived from the word “lauter” meaning “clear” or “pure.” This was likely a name originally given to someone who was a skilled Lautenspieler, or player of the lute.
The lute was a popular stringed instrument of the middle ages, and the word “Schlager” likely refers to someone who was especially talented at playing this instrument. The Lautenschlager surname may also suggest that the originator of the name was a distinguished singer, since the lute was also used to accompany songs.
In modern times, the Lautenschlager surname has earned him a degree of prestige in German society. Its combination of clear and pure connotations suggests a person with a high level of morality, competence, and maybe even a certain aristocratic air.
Generally, a Lautenschlager was thought to be someone of good standing and with a high level of personal honor. Someone with his last name is likely to be seen as kind, honest, and reliable by those who know him.
The last name was first recorded in a document in 1224 and continues to be used today, making it a long-established name in German and European society.
Order DNA origin analysisLautenschlager: Where does the name Lautenschlager come from?
The last name Lautenschlager is primarily found in Germany, Austria, and the United States. It is a relatively uncommon name, although some members of the family may be found scattered across other countries, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Canada.
In the United States, Lautenschlager is primarily concentrated in Pennsylvania, where records show that this surname started to appear more frequently as early as the 19th century. Many Lautenschlagers could be found in early census records from this region. This may suggest that the family first arrived from Germany or Austria at this time.
Today, those with the last name Lautenschlager continue to live in the United States, with concentrations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. In Germany, the majority of Lautenschlagers can be found in the southern states of Bayern and Baden-Würtemberg. However, a few families also live in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg.
In Austria, Lautenschlager families have settled mostly in the states of Tyrol and Salzburg, with some also remaining in the capital of Vienna. Lautenschlagers have also been found scattered across Switzerland, primarily around the cities of Zurich and Bern.
Overall, the Lautenschlager surname can be found in various parts of the world today, although it can be considered quite uncommon. It is most concentrated in Germany, Austria, the United States, and Switzerland, where records from the 19th century suggest that the family originated.
Variations of the surname Lautenschlager
The surname Lautenschlager is a German surname which derives from the personal name 'Lauten', meaning 'harsh' or 'stormy'. Variants of this surname include Lautenschlegel, Lautenschleger and Lautenschläger. All of these spellings are derived from the same root meaning of the surname, and all spellings are of equal antiquity.
In German-speaking regions it was endured by a family who held a clan-like status in the area, descending from Lothar of Northern Germany, a member of the Lauterbach family, which was located in the Berlin-Brandenburg region around the 12th-13th centuries. This family name was also used as a status symbol for those of high social standing.
The surname also exists in other forms in the countries of Switzerland and Austria, as well as in some parts of the United States. In these countries, the surnames are spelled as Lautenschlager or Lautenschlegel.
The earliest recorded mentions of this surname can be found in Germany in the 12th century, and it is still in use today by various branches of the family as a sign of their status and heritage. It is also a part of the names of various noble and historical families in Europe, though the exact origin of the surname is unknown.
Although the spelling of the surname has varied over time, the root meaning and origin remains the same, leading to it being a commonly used surname with multiple variants and spellings.
Famous people with the name Lautenschlager
- Karl Lautenschlager (1833-1902) was a German painter known for his landscape and religious art.
- Dr. Reinhard Lautenschlager (1925-2020) was a German diplomat and politician who served as Minister of the Interior in the 1970s.
- Karen Lautenschlager (born 1946) is a German businessperson and former President of the German Supreme Court.
- Astrid Lautenschlager (born 1951) is a German politician who served as Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection from 2013 to 2018.
- Werner Lautenschlager (1917-2013) was a German politician who served as Minister for Federal and European Affairs from 1973 to 1979.
- Max Lautenschlager (1868-1953) was a German painter and printmaker known for his etchings and landscapes.
- Ernst Lautenschlager (1857-1909) was a German painter, draughtsman and printmaker known for his landscapes, architectural scenes and portraits.
- Anke Lautenschläger (born 1969) is a German lawyer and former Vice-President of the European Central Bank.
- Arthur Lautenschlager (1871-1925) was a German illustrator and painter of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Lee Lautenschlager (born 1962) is an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour.