Surname Bichelhuber - Meaning and Origin
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Bichelhuber: What does the surname Bichelhuber mean?
The last name Bichelhuber is derived from the German language and is an occupational surname derived from the Old German words 'bichen' meaning 'beech' and 'hube' meaning 'the head steward of a monastery.' Hence, the name Bichelhuber would indicate someone who is an administrator or head steward of a monastery that has a beech tree. This indicates the presence of Germanic tribes in the area of the monastery who employed the native beech trees for some purpose.
In some cases, the last name Bichelhuber may also be found in its alternate spelling, Bickelhube. This spelling could also refer to a head steward, but could also indicate someone who worked with the Biblical tithe – originally derived from the German word 'bickel' meaning 'tithe.'
During the early medieval period, the beech tree was widely venerated by German tribes as the tree of life due to its prominence in Germanic folklore. It was believed to be the home of spiritual entities that were integral to their spiritual beliefs, and was used symbolically in religious ceremonies. Consequently, those with the last name of Bichelhuber or Bickelhube were afforded a similar respect among their peers.
Over time, as German tribes migrated westward and the influence of Christianity spread, the Bichelhuber surname slowly lost its original significance and became firmly entrenched as an occupational surname. Today, those with the Bichelhuber or Bickelhube last name can proudly trace their roots back to the German tribes of the medieval period.
Order DNA origin analysisBichelhuber: Where does the name Bichelhuber come from?
The last name Bichelhuber is most commonly found in Austria today. The name Bichelhuber is believed to come from the Bichelbauer family, who were one of the earliest settlers in Austria. The Bichelbauers, who were believed to be of Baltic or Polish origin, migrated to Austria in the 16th century and settled in the area around Gutenstein, located in the Waldviertel region in the province of Lower Austria.
Today, there are many Austrian citizens that bear the Bichelhuber name, and many more descendants of the original Bichelbauer family. It is believed that the family surname is spread over 20 districts in Austria, as well as in some German, Swiss, and Czech regions.
The family name is most common in the historic province of Lower Austria, which today consists of Vienna and the surrounding areas. Many of the original Bichelbauers began their trade of wool-weaving and hay trading in this region, making the name closely associated with the province.
In modern times, the Bichelhuber family name still carries some influence in the areas in which it is most common, as many people still keep the highly-valued old family traditions alive. Many Bichelhuberes still visit the Gutenstein area for holiday celebrations such as Christmas and Easter.
Variations of the surname Bichelhuber
The surname Bichelhuber is of German origins, in which its primary spelling is Bichelhuber. It is also known by several similar variant spellings, including: Bichelhauber, Bickelhauer, Bickelhauber, Bickelhuber, Bickellhuber, and Bichelhauer.
The Bichelhuber surname is derived from the professional title of one who was a brewer of beer, and the huber element of the name indicated that the individual was a person of importance, as it has roots in the Old German term “hubar” which meant a person of importance, or a free tenant. This root element is also seen in surnames such as Huber, Heuber, and Hubbeer.
Additionally, there are several surnames which share a common root with Bichelhuber. These surnames include: Bickelbauer, Bickelbacher, Bickelheuser, Bickelheußer, Bickelmeyer, and Bickelmayer.
Bichelhuber was borne by many prominent individuals throughout the centuries, including the Bichelhuber family of Austria, who were leaders in the military forces, and the political, social, and religious scenes of the country. Another prominent family bearing the name was the Bichelhauber family of Moldavia, who served as rulers and government officials throughout the country.
Although the Bichelhuber surname has declined in use in some regions, there are still individuals today bearing this family name in Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Bichelhuber
- Forough Bichelhuber, an Iranian-born entrepreneur based in the US.
- Christian Bichelhuber, an Austrian film director.
- Monika Bichelhuber, a fashion influencer and stylist from the US.
- Sabine Bichelhuber, an Austrian cardiologist.
- Helmut Bichelhuber, a former Managing Director of the United Nations Development Programme.
- Gebhard Bichelhuber, an Austrian landscape architect.
- Hans Bichelhuber, the former chairman of the Steirische KäseSteirer.
- Franz Bichelhuber, an Austrian market gardener.
- Alfred and Theo Bichelhuber, Austrian entrepreneurs, owners of Schornagel & Bichelhuber.
- Yvette Bichelhuber, a dancer at the Vienna State Opera.