Surname Walterscheidt - Meaning and Origin
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Walterscheidt: What does the surname Walterscheidt mean?
The last name Walterscheidt is a German surname that has its roots in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the German words walter meaning "soldier" and scheidt meaning "divide". The earliest records of this name date back to the 12th century when it was used to denote an individual who was a commander of troops. It is believed that this name was given to those who had displayed bravery and strength in battle.
The Walterscheidt coat of arms has two distinct features that are believed to have been used to differentiate it from other surnames. The first is a red lion standing guard on a silver or white shield. The second is a cross of five stars representing the sons of the family.
Over the centuries, the name Walterscheidt has been closely associated with military service, with many of its bearers being associated with the German army. However, it is also commonly found in the modern world and is now used by families all over the world.
The current spelling of the family name has evolved over time and is now found in various forms. Despite these changes, the significance of the Walterscheidt name has remained the same, signifying strength, fortitude and respect for those who have gone before us.
Order DNA origin analysisWalterscheidt: Where does the name Walterscheidt come from?
Walterscheidt is a surname that is most commonly found in Germany. Specifically, most Walterscheidt families are concentrated in the provinces of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt in the northern part of the country. It is less commonly found in the adjacent North Rhine-Westphalia.
In Lower Saxony, the towns of Alfeld, Heessel, Neustadt, and Wunninghausen have the highest concentration of Walterscheidt. Saxony-Anhalt's highest concentrations of Walterscheidt families are in the towns of Lüchow, Salzwedel, Gommern, Gernrode, and Calden.
Outside of Germany, Walterscheidt is most commonly found in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania and Texas. The Walterscheidt name is also found in France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, although it is much rarer in these countries than in Germany.
In the United States, Walterscheidt is especially common in two large German-American communities in Pennsylvania: Berks and Lehigh counties. In Texas, Walterscheidt is found in the cities of Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Overall, due to its Germanic origin, the last name Walterscheidt is most commonly found in Germany, but it is also scattered around the world.
Variations of the surname Walterscheidt
Walterscheidt is a German-language surname, derived from the occupational name of "Walter", meaning a "commander of an army" or "leader of a group". Variants of the surname Walterscheidt include Waltercheid, Waltherscheid, and Waltherscheidt, as well as Waltersheid, Walterssheid, and Waltzscheid.
Waltherscheid is the most common variant of the Walterscheidt surname. It is derived from the Old Germanic root of “Walter,” which was originally Waltheo, meaning “rule” or “power”. The suffix “-scheid” is often used to denote a location or a person who either belongs to or is from the place bearing the same name or is living near it.
Waltersheid is a variant of the Walterscheidt surname that includes the Middle High German word “sheid,” which stands for “protection,” “security,” or “shield.” This version of the surname possibly indicates someone who was associated with security, such as a military official or a ruler of some kind.
Walterssheid is another variant of Walterscheidt that includes the Middle High German “sheid.” It is a less common variant of the name and could indicate that the bearer of this surname was made secure and safe in some way.
Waltzscheid is the last variant of the Walterscheidt surname. It may indicate that the bearer of this surname was related to Walter in some way, either by blood or by occupation.
In summary, variants of the Walterscheidt surname include: Waltercheid, Waltherscheid, Waltersheid, Walterssheid, and Waltzscheid. Each of these variants has a slightly different meaning and goes to show the diverse origin of this name.
Famous people with the name Walterscheidt
- Joop Walterscheidt: a German entrepreneur, former radio host, and founder of the clothing chain humanmade.
- Peter Walterscheidt: an American physicist and university professor.
- John Walterscheidt: an American author and attorney.
- Johann Walterscheidt: a German historian and professor of medieval studies.
- Anke Walterscheidt: a German politician and former senator of the state of Hesse.
- Manfred Walterscheidt: a German figure skater and two-time Olympian.
- Heinz Walterscheidt: a German-born American special effects artist who worked on several movies from the 1930s to the 1980s.
- Bernhard Walterscheidt: founder of the Berlin School of Natural History, which developed into the University Kunstvolle Natural Science Institute.
- João Walterscheidt: a Brazilian journalist and political commentator.
- Rocco Walterscheidt: a German rock musician and notable humanitarian.