Surname Winterfeldt - Meaning and Origin
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Winterfeldt: What does the surname Winterfeldt mean?
The last name Winterfeldt is of German origin and can be found in areas of Central and Eastern Europe. In some instances, the name Winterfeldt may also be found in Sweden, Poland, and other parts of the world.
The literal meaning of the surname Winterfeldt is "winter field." This origin dates back to a time when individuals kept track of their lineage using patronymic surnames, which identified one's father or family lineage. It is likely, then, that the original bearer of the name Winterfeldt was someone who either lived in a field during the winter months or, less likely, worked on such a property.
The first recorded example of the name Winterfeldt was found in the early 1500s as one Katrin Winterfeldinn of Dresden, Germany. Since then, the name has been quite popular in Germany and beyond.
Today, the name Winterfeldt connotes a delightful surprise, implying a stay in an unexpected, bucolic corner of the world in the winter months. Those who bear the surname Winterfeldt are often seen as independent, resourceful and determined.
Overall, the surname Winterfeldt is a unique and interesting surname, with a strong connection to its etymological and geographical origins.
Order DNA origin analysisWinterfeldt: Where does the name Winterfeldt come from?
Winterfeldt is a last name that is predominantly found in Germany. This is because the name originates from the German language, where it is spelled "Winterfeldt" or "Winterfeldt". The name is thought to be derived from a combination of the German words "Winter" and "Feldt", meaning "winter" and "field" respectively. This indicates that the name is said to have first been used to refer to someone who worked in a field during the winter months.
The surname is found throughout Germany with a high concentration of Winterfeldts around the states of Saxony, Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Bavaria. Additionally, Winterfeldt is an increasingly common last name in the United Kingdom, in part due to immigration and resettlement of German people in the country.
The name is also present in smaller numbers in other countries and continents around the world. In Australia, for example, Winterfeldt was amongst the 100 most common German names in the past. Canada, the United States, and other parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands, also report small numbers of Winterfeldts in their populations.
Overall, it is clear that Winterfeldt is still a relatively common surname today, with its roots firmly grounded in German language and culture.
Variations of the surname Winterfeldt
The surname Winterfeldt is a Germanic surname found in many countries, mainly in Germany, the Netherlands and the U.S. It is a variant spelling of the more common Winterfeldt.
The main spellings of the surname are Winterfeldt and Wintfeldt. The variants are Wintersfeldt, Wintfeld, Wintersfeld, Vinterfeldt and Vintfeldt. Variant spellings may be used to indicate specific regional or cultural connections.
The Winterfeldt surname has several different ethnic and cultural origins. It is likely derived from an occupational name meaning “winter field” or “winter work”. It may also be a locational name deriving from a place called Winterfeld or Wintfeld located in the district of Schleswig-Holstein.
Variant surnames of Winterfeldt can also be found in other countries including England, Denmark, Poland, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary, and are usually derived from immigration or settlers who moved to these countries.
Variant surnames of Winterfeldt include Wintherfeldt, Winthefeldt, Wintersveldt, Wintherfield, Wintherfeld, Winterfeld, and Vinterfeld. Some regional variations may include Winterfelter, Wintersfelter, Wintemeier, Winternhofer and Wintrich.
In the U.S., the Winterfeldt surname is the 6,094th most popular surname, and is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan. It is part of the German American group, with a high concentration in Wisconsin, where it is the 1,256th most common surname.
Famous people with the name Winterfeldt
- Klaus Winterfeldt: German aeronautical engineer
- Julie Winterfeldt: American author
- Elizabeth Winterfeldt: Canadian artist and fashion designer
- Willi Winterfeldt: German businessman and trade fair organizer
- Manfred Winterfeldt: German-Russian agronomist and geographer
- Erich Winterfeldt: German inventor and businessman
- Uwe Winterfeldt: German-American entrepreneur
- Eva Winterfeldt: German skier
- Gabriele Winterfeldt: German-Italian figure skater
- Linda Winterfeldt: German sprint canoer