Surname Wienhold - Meaning and Origin
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Wienhold: What does the surname Wienhold mean?
The surname Wienhold is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Winhold. Wienhold roughly translates to “friend of the estate” or “estate guardian”. It was a fairly common name in the German-speaking regions of Europe during the Middle Ages, indicating that one of the subscriber's ancestor's held the role of a noble steward and was responsible for the administration of the land and the maintenance of properties owned by the nobility.
During that period of time, Europe was undergoing significant social and economic changes which resulted in the emergence of an aristocracy. As these changes progressed, the need for nobles to look to reputable estate stewards to manage their properties increased; a role that the Wienhold family likely held in its earliest incarnation. As a result, those bearing the Wienhold name could often be found within rural, well-established Germanic communities where they would acquire minor noble titles such as “Freiherr” or “Burggraf”.
The Wienhold surname has remained a common occurrence in various parts of Europe throughout the centuries, with substantial numbers of families living in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in modern times. A variety of branch families have also amassed influence throughout Europe, some even prominent enough to receive titles of nobility from the respective regional figureheads and sovereigns.
The Wienhold surname is still very much alive today, with those bearing it often seen around the world. It serves as a reminder of the past and its ubiquitousness serves to often amaze those who hear or read its name and learn of its origins.
Order DNA origin analysisWienhold: Where does the name Wienhold come from?
The last name Wienhold is most commonly found in Germany today. It is considered an ancient surname, dating from 1246, during the rule of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. The surname is derived from the German words “Wien” and “Holt”, meaning “wine wood”. It was originally a name given to someone who lived in an area of Bavaria near vineyards.
Wienhold family members have used it for generations and can be found almost exclusively in the south-central parts of Germany. Most notably, large concentrations of the surname can be found in the state of Bavaria, specifically in the cities of Nuremberg and Munich. The name is also found outside of Germany, particularly in other parts of Central Europe, with significant numbers in Austria, The Netherlands, and Belgium.
The Wienhold name is not particularly common outside of the countries in which it originated, however some immigrants from this region have taken the name to other countries. One such example is the United States, where Wienhold families emigrated from Germany in the 19th century, settling mainly in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Variations of the surname Wienhold
The surname Wienhold is a German surname and originates from the Middle High German terms “win” meaning “friend” and “hold” meaning “brave”.
Variations of the surname Wienhold include Wynhold, Weinhold, Winnhold, Weenhold, Wiennehold and Wienholt. It may also be spelled Wienholde in some cases.
Alternate spellings and variants of the surname Wienhold include Wienholz, Wienholz, Wienhols, Wienold, and Wienholdt. This surname was also found in Switzerland as Winholt, as well as in East Prussia as Wienholtz.
Surnames today which have similar derivations to Wienhold include Wienholz, Wienold, Winhold, Winholdt, Winholtz, Weinhold, Weinholz, Weinhals, Winholt, Winnhold, Wennehold, and Wienhols.
Surnames with a similar origin in other languages are also found. For example, the Dutch surnames Winters inconspicuously refer to a “winter-brave”, and in French-speaking regions of Europe, the surname Winot seems to have the same origin as Wienhold.
As the surname has spread over centuries, other variations of the name have also spread and different versions can be found in different countries. The Amelia Earhart members' research database lists person with the surname in all major European countries, Australia, and North America.
Famous people with the name Wienhold
- Melanie Wienhold: Former pro beach volleyball player and Olympian
- Richard Wienhold: German footballer
- Jürgen Wienhold: German footballer
- Johannes Wienhold: German footballer
- Konrad Wienhold: Schleswig-Holstein List politician
- Franz Rudolf Wienhold: Austro-Hungarian artillery officer
- Ludgerus Wienhold: Dutch Roman Catholic prelate
- Sigmar Wienhold: German professor of agricultural economics
- Gilbert Wienhold: German musicologist
- Tonny Wienhold: Dutch footballer