Surname Schöningh - Meaning and Origin

Schöningh: What does the surname Schöningh mean?

The surname Schöningh (or Schoeningh) is a German surname derived from the word "schön", or "beautiful". It is believed to originate from a place name and have multiple variants, such as Schöne, Schoen, Schoning, Schoningh, Schoninger, Schönger, Schoninger and Schöninger.

The root of the name likely traces back to old German words meaning either "beautiful" or "auspicious", with the former being quite relevant in place names, such as beautiful cities or areas of nature. The name may also have Biblical origins, with the first known spelling of the surname being "Schoningen" - an old Germanic form of the Biblical name Seth.

Although the precise origin of the name is difficult to trace, Schöningh and all its variants are likely derived from elements of nature as well as German culture. It could refer to anything from beautiful landscapes and weather to admired public figures.

Throughout the centuries, the Schöningh surname has evolved and spread throughout Europe, though it remains particularly common in Germany. Today, Schöningh is associated with its original meaning of "beautiful", but also with success, perseverance, and achievement. Those with the Schöningh surname are likely wise, kind-hearted and driven individuals who possess a strong and unwavering spirit.

Schöningh: Where does the name Schöningh come from?

The last name Schöningh is most commonly found in Germany today and is less common in other parts of the world. According to the Statistical Office for Berlin-Brandenburg, the name Schöningh is most prevalent in the Neiße area, located in Polish Silesia, and is found in the lower Lusatia region, as well as in the states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Bremen, Thuringia, and Saarland.

The name Schöningh has ancient origins, dating back to medieval times in Germany. It is derived from the Middle Low German word “schöne” which translates to “beautiful” and “hingh” which translates to “clearing” or “enclosure.” Thus, the Schöningh name likely derives from the family’s original place of residence in a beautiful clearing or meadow.

The Schöningh name has appeared in records since as early as the 13th century. During this time, the bearers of the name were associated with a small number of farming communities in northern Germany, mainly in and around what is now parts of Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein.

In the modern era, the largest Schöningh population is in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Hesse, where there are about 1,700 individuals bearing the name. Due to immigration and emigration in the past centuries, many families bearing the name Schöningh have moved to other countries, such as the United States, France, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, among others.

Today, the Scöningh name is a source of pride for its bearers. The name stands for beauty, stability, and strength, all values that are still important to families bearing the name today.

Variations of the surname Schöningh

The surname Schöningh is a German and Dutch surname derived from the Old High German word schonung, which translates to “protection” or “preservation”. Variants of Schöningh include Schoenning, Schoning, Schoening, and Schoeningh.

In German, the most common spelling of the surname is Schöning. In the Netherlands, the most common spelling is Schoening. In the United States, the most common spelling is Schoenning. Variants of the surnames Schöningh can also be found with many Dutch and German immigrants changing the spelling of the name while changing countries.

Variants of Schöningh and its derivatives have been used as surnames all over the world. Some common spellings include Schoenung, Schoengen, Schoenig, Schoenen, Schonig, Schoenhonig, and Schoanig.

Surnames derived from the root Schöningh include Schoninger, Schoner, Schonor, Schonore, Sconing, Schon, Schöner, Schoener, Schöne, Schonen, Schoenherr, and Schooner.

For genealogical research projects, it is important to be aware of the different spellings and surnames that could be related to Schöningh. It is especially pertinent to keep in mind the variants and spellings of the surname when conducting searches in countries outside of Germany and the Netherlands, where the spelling of the name may have changed due to immigration and other factors.

Famous people with the name Schöningh

• Johannes Schöningh, a German politician and former member of the German Bundestag.
• Alexander Schöningh, a German lawyer and politician.
• Martin Schöningh, a German dialect singer.
• Joachim Schöningh, a former footballer and current manager for SV Darmstadt 98.
• Victor Schöningh, a German composer and conductor.
• Christian Schöningh, a German photographer and artist.
• Rudolf Schöningh, a German book printer and publisher.
• Karl Friedrich Schöningh, a German philologist and professor.
• Pansy Schöninger, a German photographer.
• Corinna Schöninger, a former German novelist.
• Wilhelm Schoeningh, a German musicologist.
• Alfons Schöningh, a German surgeon.

Other surnames

Schöning