Surname Theoboldt - Meaning and Origin

Theoboldt: What does the surname Theoboldt mean?

Theoboldt is a surname originating from Germany. It is derived from the Old German language, where it is composed of two elements: theo, meaning ‘people’, and bold, meaning ‘brave.’ When united, it literally means ‘bold people,’ and it is believed that Theoboldt is an occupational surname. In the past, Theoboldts were likely an influential or a powerful people in the community, probably associated with governing, warfare, or religion.

The first recorded use of the surname dates back to the 16th century. The surname is found in records throughout Germany and beyond. For example, in 1360, Eryk Theoboldt was recorded in Prussia, and later in 1401, Lodwic Theoboldt was recorded in Saxony.

Today, Theoboldt is a fairly rare name. It is estimated that there are only a few hundred people who bear this surname across Germany and Europe. But if you trace your family tree back far enough, then you might just find an influential ancestor who was a Theoboldt. Although the Theoboldts could have been involved in various powerful positions, it is highly unlikely that any of them could still be alive today. Theoboldt is a remarkable and interesting surname that is truly a hallmark of German history.

Theoboldt: Where does the name Theoboldt come from?

Theoboldt is an uncommon but recognizable surname, mainly found in Germany today. A very small number of families with this name live in the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe. It is of German origin and is believed to come from the Old German words "theodo" meaning "people" and "bald" meaning "bold". In German culture, names ending in "-boldt" often refer to someone brave or courageous.

In Germany the surname is sometimes found in records as Theobald, Theobaldt, and Teobald. It is most popular in the German states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony. Its highest concentration is in the town of Küstrin, in Brandenburg, about 20 miles from Berlin, in western Germany. Other records in Germany can be found in the areas of Baden, Hesse, and Westphalia.

In recent years, a small number of Theoboldts have also emigrated to the United States, Canada, and other countries. They mainly settled in the United States in Midwestern states like Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In the US Census of 2000 there were 25 people listed in the United States with the surname Theoboldt.

Therefore, Theoboldt is an uncommon, but recognizable surname found mainly in Germany today. This surname appears to have no variation and is confidentially used by the families who bear this name.

Variations of the surname Theoboldt

Theoboldt is a German surname believed to be derived from the Germanic language elements "theud" meaning "people" and "bold" meaning "bold or brave". It is a patronymic surname, which typically denotes a person or family whose original hometown or family origin is Theobald. Possible variants of the Theoboldt surname include Theobald, Theobaldt, Tebaut, Tebault, Tebou, Teboul, Teboldt, Tebout, Debolt, Debault, Debout, Debou, Thebert, Thiebaut, and Tiebout, among others. Theoboldt is most often found in Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg, including Dutch-speaking regions. In some cases, the surname may have been altered to Theobald, Theobolt, Theibold, Theiboldt, etc., as a result of dialectal variation, linguistic assimilation, or simple mistranscription. Many versions of this surname can still be found in countries like the United States, and in former German colonies such as Brazil and Chile.

Famous people with the name Theoboldt

• Christian Theobaldt (1795–1873), German jurist and archeologist
• Arthur Theobaldt (1872–1938), German chemist
• Richard Theobaldt (1883–1956), German doctor and geographer
• Carlo Theobaldt (1893–1973), Italian actor
• Ed Theobald (1925–2001), American Olympic athlete and track coach
• Jürgen Theobaldt (1951–), German tennis player
• Sylvia Theobald (1965–), German actress and media personality
• Ellen Theobald (1988–), German fashion blogger and entrepreneur

Other surnames

Theobold