Surname Niefeld - Meaning and Origin

Niefeld: What does the surname Niefeld mean?

The last name Niefeld is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German words "niuualt" and "fehta" meaning "conflict" and "guardian", respectively. This combination creates the name which is loosely translated to "one who stands guard in a conflict".

Historically, it is likely that the name was given to someone who acted as a guard or protector during a time of war. In this sense, it speaks to the courage and commitment of people who take on the dangerous but noble job of defending others from harm. The name is often found in the German states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia and in parts of Austria. It is also found in small numbers in the United States.

Due to the history associated with the name, it carries with it a sense of honor and bravery associated with the guard's duty of protecting those in need. This name can inspire those who carry it to strive to live up to the expectations and qualities associated with this history. It can also be a reminder to stand in the face of danger and be a protector of those who need help and support.

Niefeld: Where does the name Niefeld come from?

The last name Niefeld is most commonly found in Germany and throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is either derived from the Middle Latin ‘nivalis’ meaning ‘relating to snow,’ or the German ‘nider,’ meaning ‘lower’ or ‘down.’

Niefeld is one of the most popular and recognized surnames in Germany where it is estimated to be among the top 800 to 1,000 most common last names. Today, this surname is especially prevalent in the states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Saxony.

In Poland, the Niefeld surname is also widespread. Most Niefelds living in Poland are of German or Jewish origin, and the surname is commonly Anglicized to Niebold, Neefeld, Niephold, and Neefield.

Niefelds are also found in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

Outside of German-speaking countries, the Niefeld surname is found in significant numbers in parts of the United Kingdom, particularly England. Niefelds in the United Kingdom are descended from German families who migrated to Britain during the 19th century and early 20th centuries.

The United States and Canada also have significant populations of Niefelds. Although German origin is the most likely explanation for their ancestry, some Niefelds in North America may also have roots in Slavic countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Variations of the surname Niefeld

Niefeld is a German and Dutch surname with multiple variant spellings and surnames of the same origin.

In Germany, Niefeld is spelled Neefeld or Neevel. Other variants used in Germany include Niefelt, Nifelt, Niffelt, and Nifvelt. In the Netherlands, Neefels is an alternate spelling.

In other countries, such as the United States, variations include Nifield, Nifeld, Neifield, and Neefield.

While the exact origin of the surname is not known, most likely the original spelling was Niefeld and the other variants developed over time. It is believed that the surname is derived from a locational surname, likely referring to a person that originated from a village or hamlet of the same name, located in the Lower Rhine region of Germany.

Additional surnames of similar origin include Niebel, Nieberg, Niebert, Niebling, Nieger, and Nimmel.

In conclusion, Niefeld is a German and Dutch surname with multiple variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants include Neefeld or Neevel in Germany, Neefels in the Netherlands, Nifield, Nifeld, Neifield, and Neefield in other countries, and Niebel, Nieberg, Niebert, Niebling, Nieger, and Nimmel in other surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Niefeld

• Spencer Niefeld: Canadian actor known for playing roles in the television shows Fargo and Sillicon Valley.
• Dean Niefeld: Former Major League Baseball player and current scout for the Cleveland Indians.
• Wayne Niefeld: Former National Basketball Association player.
• Heidi Niefeld: Professional poker player.
• Curtis Niefeld: Former Major League Baseball pitcher.
• Craig Niefeld: Professional golfer from Saskatchewan.
• David Niefeld: Newfoundland musician and sculptor.
• Gary Niefeld: Professional photographer and author.
• Keith Niefeld: Author and poet from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Mariah Niefeld: Professional Extreme skier.

Other surnames

Niefeldt