Surname Loewe - Meaning and Origin
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Loewe: What does the surname Loewe mean?
The last name “Loewe” is a German/Bavarian surname and has various possible meanings. It can refer to a lion or a ruler, as “loewe” is the German word for lion, referencing strength and power. It may also mean “descendant of some kind of ruler”, since “Loewen” is the plural of the German word for “Leo”. Additionally, it can also allude to nobility, as the Bavarian term “loew” refers to a nobleman or official.
The surname could also have affiliations with craftsmanship and production. This is because “loewe” was previously used as a term for a leatherworker, or “Loewenbinder”. And in the 18th century, a Loewe family used to make porcelain in Germany, so the name could indicate someone from that kind of working background, with a focus on precise craftsmanship.
Lastly, the surname can also refer to a flow of water or a pool. This is because the word “Loewe” derives from the German term “Lo”, which describes a hollow place filled with water such as a pond.
In conclusion, the last name “Loewe” can be associated with a range of meanings and connotations. It can refer to a ruler, craftsmanship, and a pool or river, amongst others.
Order DNA origin analysisLoewe: Where does the name Loewe come from?
The last name Loewe is a German surname stemming from the Middle High German word “löwe” meaning “lion.” Today, the surname is most common throughout Germany and throughout Germany’s close neighbors, such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The surname likely spread out of Germany over hundreds of years, creating additional hubs of the last name across Europe. For instance, Loewe can be found in Belgium, Liechtenstein, Czech Republic and the Scandinavian countries.
The prevalence of the surname outside of Germany and neighboring countries is significantly lower. The U.S. for instance, likely saw the last name trickle in over the last few centuries as German immigrants arrived seeking fortunes in the New World. It is commonly found in the southeastern states, particularly in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New York. Additionally, there are also pockets of the Loewe surname found in Carry, South Dakota, South Lyon, Michigan, Ralston, Oklahoma, and Detroit, Alabama. More recently the last name has seen migration into Canada, specifically within the notable city of Ontario.
Overall, the last name Loewe is most common in Germany and its neighboring countries and is seeing a slow but steady growth in other areas of the world.
Variations of the surname Loewe
The most common variant, spelling, and surname of the same origin for the surname Loewe is Low; however, there are various other potential variants and spellings of the name for those who trace their ancestry and family history to the origin of this name. Loewe can be spelled variously as Loew, Low, Lohe, Lowe, Löwe, Loewen, Lieuw, Looi, Luw, Loo/Loe, Lauwe/Laue, and Leuwe/Leue. Those who bear the name Low/Loew may be German, Dutch, or Jewish in ancestry, and the name is also found in England, France, and Scotland.
The surname Low is commonly of German origin, and to some an occupational surname. Originating in the German form Lowen, this name traditionally refers to a person who kept or worked with lions, likely in a traveling circus. The symbol of a lion has also long been associated with German heraldry.
The surname Loewen (with an 'en' at the end of the name) is commonly of Jewish ancestry. This variant of the name is a patronymic form of Loeb, an abbreviated form of the Hebrew male given name, 'Levi, meaning 'joined in harmony.'
Likewise, Loew/Loewe is of Jewish ancestry, a variant for the name Liebe or Lieb, which was derived from the Germanic personal name Liebe. This name could be interpreted to mean ‘love.’
In summary, Loewe is a German, Dutch, and Jewish variant of the surname Low/Loew that has many potential spellings, variants, and surnames of the same origin, such as Loewen, Lieuw, Looi, Luw, Loo/Loe, Lauwe/Laue, and Leuwe/Leue. This surname can be of occupational German or Jewish ancestry and might be interpreted to mean 'lion,' 'joined in harmony' or 'love.'
Famous people with the name Loewe
- Boggle co-creator Alfred Moses Loewe.
- German industrialist and entrepreneur Edwin Loewe.
- Painter Carl Loewe.
- German composer, conductor and violinist Carl Loewe.
- Actor-martial artist Alexander Loewe.
- German poet, artist, and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
- Film producer Arthur Loew.
- Actress and singer Marthe Keller.
- Actor Bryan Loewe.
- Rapper and producer K-Loewe.
- German Jewish philosopher and psychotherapist Ludwig Loewe.
- Scientist Otto Loewe.
- Actor-writer Richard Loewe.
- Actor-television producer Robin Loewe.
- German-born composer Salomon Loewe.
- Actress-comedian Susanne Loewe.
- Singer Tony Loewe.
- Singer-songwriter Uwe Loewe.
- Businessman and philanthropist Werner Loewe.
- Jewelry designer William Loewe.