german nobility family names
One reason many German surnames feature the Von or Zu prefixes is that the right to include them in a surname was one of the few remaining aristocratic privileges allowed when the nobility was abolished in Germany in 1919. An example of the best case in the Gotha would be the article on the von Rechberg und Rothenlwen zu Hochrechberg family (Example 1). It is the confirmed Uradel who can trace their unbroken lineage of nobility to before the year 1350 or 1400 (i.e. Making such a connection will not automatically have your family tree suddenly grow before your eyes. [6] 15.Inga (F) meaning "from the land of Ing" from Inga Abel, a beautiful German actress. The list is an alphabetical overview of Bavarian nobility. There's regional differences: In most of southern Germany and Austria "von" and "von und zu" (see below) means "nobility". These surnames are now preceded by the preposition von (meaning "of") or zu (meaning "at"). When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. If your ancestor was of the noble class, the following books may help you in your research: Hefner, Otto Titian von. the Late Middle Ages). *Frst/Prince was used for a reigning sovereign ruler or monarch. 60.Leopold meaning "brave person" in German. 276 SW211C).jpg, Wapen Gerwin van Cobbenrode 1420-1483.svg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Noble_families_of_Germany&oldid=646884777, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. 31. He voluntarily abdicated his throne on November 13, 1918. Burke's Peerage and other published works on English noble families (e.g. February 27, 2023. However, former hereditary titles are still allowed as part of the surname. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Private Messages: Fritsch, Thomas, Freiherr von. So, in terms of German surnames, the appearance of Von in a name can often indicate that the bearer is of noble origin. Contact the Profile Managers privately: Public Comments: Originally, coats-of-arms were granted to individuals, not families. It is a popular sun sign and a memorable name that is easy to remember. Following World War II, the Emperor of Japan, The Norwegian Royal Family: Behind the Current Crown, Norway's history is long and rich, but its current monarchy is relatively young. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. However, unlike Britain, where the monarchy has only a constitutional role, the German Royals were directly involved in the government and the war. 29. In a similar way, the prefix Zu in a German surname can also be an indication of nobility. This list has not only some common old German male names and old German female names, but also some names of famous German personalities that you may be inspired to name your child after. Archaki - This name has Greek origins and means lord or ruler. Cardinal; b. at Mantua, 23 November, 1505; d. 2 March, 1563. Either a noble genealogy extended well into the Middle Ages or was untraceable. It is the confirmed Uradel who can trace their unbroken lineage of nobility to before the year 1350 or 1400 (i.e. 33. It contains information about name variants, ancestry, extent and well-known personalities of the line. and were replaced by German noble families whose title was accepted by the Danish nobility. Her death has plunged the UK into mourning: They loved their long-serving monarch. Alfred (M) (Old High German origin) meaning "elf" from Alfred Weber, a German economist and philosopher with groundbreaking theories. So, maybe it only seemed like only the United Kingdom had a system of nobility, and its better known genealogical examples confirmed the idea of medieval origins: its sovereign head can trace her genealogy back to the 5th century and many peers have family histories extending back to the Norman Conquest. 77.Andy (Old High German origin) meaning "brave" . Trying to get rid ofthe "von" and "zu" particles from family names is a contentious topic mostpolitical parties prefer to avoid. (28.08.2017), Combining socks with sandals is now a mainstream trend. 90.Madison meaning "child of the mighty noble warrior". In some regions of Germany where the nobility was less of an important feature of the emerging culture, some non-noble families adopted and used the prefixes of Von or Zu. This is an updated version of an article first published in 2019. See the Genealogy and Nobility sections. It is from these examples and from my experience that I conclude that the noble families with a more detailed article in the Gotha are likely the ones who have been more diligent about keeping family records and documents and who validate the popular understanding of noble families: their genealogies are well documented. Generally, von reveals the family's place of origin, while zu says the family is still in possession of the estate from which the surname is drawn. Some popular German names are also names of brands like Kurt Geiger, Aldo and Hugo Boss. 28. Discovering that you descend from nobility is not always a genealogical goldmine. Heidi is also the name of a popular German short story for children. Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamWallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe, I consent to my data being stored in line with your Privacy Policy & Legal Notice (required), Keep me updated - I'd like to sign up for the latest news & offers. XIV, Limburg, Germany: C. A. Starke Verlag, 1991, 324-325. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. For example, Georg Friedrich von Preussen is the great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last king of Prussia. All legal privileges of the nobility were officially abolished in 1919 by the Weimar Republic (1919-1933), and nobility is no longer conferred or recognised by the German Republic, former hereditary titles being allowed only as part of the surname. 59.Leo (High German origin) meaning "lion". In this instance. 55.Gunther (Low German Origin)a name meaning "a brave army man". Andechs Feudal rulers were common in 12th century Germany. This has often been used as one of the old German girl names. Limit 20 per day. 4.Anne (F) meaning "grace" from Anne Frank, the famous diarist. Confirming the accuracy of the secondary sources can consequently be a very difficult task: where to look for a birth, marriage, or death record, or other primary sources? Earnest Augustus was the last Duke of Brunswick. 100. Certain politicians have beenlobbying to eliminate former hereditary titles from names completely. This List of Bavarian noble families contains all 338 Bavarian aristocratic families named in 1605 by Siebmacher as well as further additions. 22.Michael (M) meaning "like God" from Michael Ballack, a famous German football player. These German names have been put out in a list for you below. 4. (Hercules.) Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Most German royal last names related to the family's place of origin. 14, Brnn: 1889, p. 404-405. Toni (Old High German origin) meaning "a colorful flower". 34.Hibbel (Low German origin ) meaning "protector". 26.Ada meaning "noble" in German. German Farm Names . Sweden. The nobility is a class of people who had special political and social status. The nobility is divided into two sections: Hochadel and Niederadel (high and low nobility). These names are famous throughout Europe and North America. His wealth obviously contributes to the fascination: When his father died in 1990, Albert von Thurn und Taxis landed on the Forbes list as one of the world's youngest billionaires. Alternate Surname Spellings: Herrman, Hermann, Herman Famous People With the Herrmann Surname 98.Taylor was first derived from the old German "snidanaere," referring to a cloth cutter or a clothing tailor. Welcome to the NicknameDB entry on german nobility nicknames! The vast majority of German and Austrian noble families do not belong to the Uradel, being instead Briefadel, their status of nobility deriving from letters patent. Bentheim (noble family) Cornelius von Berenberg-Gossler Heinrich von Berenberg-Gossler Johann von Berenberg-Gossler Friedrich Ferdinand von Beust Moritz von Bissing Gerson von Bleichrder Blumenthal family Joachim von Blumenthal Lily Braun Theresia Anna Maria von Brhl C Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. While many of the official privileges that German nobles had enjoyed for centuries were revoked, the right to include the Von or Zu prefix in the surname was one way that noble families could retain an air of their previous aristocratic rank, as well as bequeathing a noble name and lineage to future generations. get in touch using the enquiry form in the sidebar, contact our Geneva office directly between 10.00-19.00, Monday to Friday on, I consent to my data being stored in line with your, Bundesarchiv, B 145 Bild-F026160-0002A / Grfingholt, Detlef / CC-BY-SA 3.0. This is similar to the practice of shortening a noble title to merge with the surname that was a popular practice towards the latter days of the aristocracy. 73.Stefan (High German origin) meaning "crown". I have found the 'Royalty Project' on FamilyTreeDNA.com very useful. Traces of nobility can still be found in people's names. Heinrich XXVII was the final Prince of the Principality Reuss-Gera. Choosing German Boy Names. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 18.Ludwig (M) (Old High German origin) meaning "war" from Ludwig Bamberger, a renowned German politician and economist. 49.Theresa (High German origin) meaning "hunter or guardian". In Central Europe, R1a is found exclusively among Proto-Balto-Slavs and their descendants: In addition to this, many town and city names in eastern Germany have Slavic origins - Lubeck, Rostock, Berlin, Dresden, Stettin, and Potsdam are just a few. It originated with people who had power, influence, and land in ancient times or who received a grant of nobility from a king. 58.Kurt (High German origin) meaning "wolf". A simple keyword search for "nobility" introduces you to wikipedia's article, an excellent first step to finding more reliable sources through its External Links. Wilhelm, German Crown Prince of Prussia, was the last Crown Prince of the German Empire, Princess Victoria Louise of Prussia was Kaiser Wilhelm's only daughter, Prince Wilhelm Keitel Friedrich Christian Karl of Prussia, Princess Notburga of Bavaria (died as an infant), Princess Helmtrud of Bavaria (died as a child), Princess Dietlinde of Bavaria (died as an infant). 77.Andy (Old High German origin) meaning "brave" . Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. 48.Thea (High German origin) meaning "first gift of God". The list below is a comprehensive list of German names with meanings. Conducting a Surname Search can also be helpful. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, Old German Names Inspired By Famous German Personalities, 100 Huntress Names From Fiction And Mythology, 150 Batman Names From The Comics, TV Shows & Films, All Of The 'Shadow Of The Colossus' Names Including Every Colossi. Most German royal last names related to the family's place of origin. Prior to the establishment of royal absolutism in 1660, the high nobility was included in the council of the realm. Oskar is the old German version of male name, Oscar, best known for Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and playwright. Various authors have prepared armorial, or heraldry, books. Fredrich II was the last Grand Duke of Baden. Since the Gotha series first appeared in 1763, clearly other secondary sources must be consulted to trace the genealogy back further, if the family's (noble) origin predated 1763. A noble name for your son. Elsass-Lothringen Hesse (Hessen) Lippe Mecklenburg-Schwerin Mecklenburg-Strelitz Oldenburg The Saar Region (Saarland) Saxony (Sachsen) Schaumburg-Lippe Waldeck Wrttemberg Prussia (Preussen) Brandenburg The Neumark, Brandenburg Berlin, Brandenburg East Prussia (Ostpreussen) Hanover (Hannover) Hesse-Nassau (Hessen-Nassau) Hohenzollern German Surnames of the Rich and/or Famous . 54.Frank (High German origin) means "brave" or "noble" in German. This is the most common form of German family name and can often be identified by its ending, such as -er (as in Geiger, one who played the violin), -hauer (hewer or cutter, such as Baumhauer, a tree cutter), -macher (one who makes, as in Fenstermacher . When dealing with German royals and nobles, we often see their titles in German. Many of these villages, towns and cities were once in the German provinces of Western Pomerania (Pommern), Brandenburg, Neumark, Posen, or Silesia, which were part of Prussia, Germany before becoming Polish after the Second World War. Less than genealogically helpful is the contribution on the Someda di Chiaromonte (Example 2); notice the lack of dates and places, and for the last listed individual, a name. Frederick Augustus III from the Wettin dynasty was the last King of Saxony. When the Weimar Constitution entered into force on August 14, 1919, the legal privileges and titles of German nobility were abolished. Where no coat of arms is available, the file position from Siebmacher's 1605 Book of Coats of Arms is given as follows: page number of the coat of arms plate and position of the coat of arms on the plate (the page numbers of reprints are not used). Seals of German nobility (8 C, 34 F) Coats of arms of families of Germany (45 C, 146 F) Alberti Wappenbuch (4 C) Tyroff Wappenbuch des hheren Adels (2 C) Tyroff Wappenbuch Wrttemberg (5 C, 1 F) A Abele von Lilienberg family (1 C, 1 F) Abercron family (4 C, 4 F) Achalm family (2 C, 3 F) Adelebsen family (3 C) Aderkas family (7 F) Bortnick - Beekeeper. 27. Johann Siebmacher (Begr. 40.Nadine (High German origin) meaning "the courage of a bear". Neues allgemeines Deutsches Adels-Lexicon or New General German Aristocracy Lexicon is the title of a series of historical reference books written by Professor Dr. Ernst Heinrich Kneschke about the German aristocracy, including royalty and nobility. And given that she was born only in 1848, that wouldn't make the family very old. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. When the family moved frequently, compiled sources become especially helpful. Members of this class had titles such as Baron [Freiherr], Duke [Herzog], Count [Graf], Margrave [Markgraf], and Knight (Sir) [Ritter]. All rights reserved. 51.Baldwin (Old German origin) meaning "brave, bold friend". The Greek Royal Family's Backstory Made Simple, Royal families are fascinating groups of people, and the public is forever infatuated with everything there is to do with them. A variation on locality names, farm names in Germany are names which came from the family farm. For the English speaking world, besides the many businesses that advertise producing your family's coat-of-arms and surname's definitive history to the Middle Ages, the UK peerage systems are arguably the most well known, if not the only known system(s) of nobility in the world, since there is no language barrier and most everyone knows of Queen Elizabeth II and the late Lady Diana Spencer. We still see examples of this custom in modern times. See the Genealogy section. The "Who Do You Think You Are" episode on Brook Shields almost suggests this though. The House of Hohenzollern's attemptto obtain compensation for expropriated land and palaces in Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburgwas launched in 1991 by Georg Friedrich's grandfather, Louis Ferdinand von Preussen. This is a quick reference list of German noble families. Baldwin is also a common old High German family name. Members of this class had titles such as Baron [Freiherr], Duke [Herzog], Count [Graf], Margrave [Markgraf], and Knight (Sir) [Ritter]. They are still a topic of conversation, and the heads of former royal dynasties often make headlines in the German press. 1 - BSB Cgm 1508, S.l. 78.August (Old High German origin) meaning "great" or "maleficent". It contains information about name variants, ancestry, extent and well-known personalities of the line. 32. 19.Marcus (M) meaning "Mars God" from Marcus Goldman, a popular German economist and banker. While Von or Zu can often indicate a history of aristocracy, or at least be a clue to a link to a noble lineage, it is not always an accurate indicator of aristocratic status. His abdication formally ended the house of Hohenzollern. Friedrich August Georg, Crown Prince of Saxony. I am still not sure my GF's father was not a member of the Saxe-Coburg family, but now it is pointing at the House of Battenburg (Hesse). It is an old common unisex name. Names like Alice and Emma are attractive and fashionable. Mitzis real name and full title is Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber. The list is an alphabetical overview of Bavarian nobility. The present-day rulers of the Principality of Liechtenstein bear the title of Frst and the title is also used in German when referring to the ruling princes the Principality of Monaco. Does Germany have a royal family? Save the image to your computer and use it as you work with old Germanic records. I have most of these German nobility in my ancestry but not on WikiTree because I can't manage how to go that far back. church records) can, like usual, substantiate as well as challenge the accuracy of family papers and documents or publications, thereby uncovering false ancestral claims, documenting black sheep erased from family notes, or correcting family tradition. The Junkers " of Prussia were often contrasted with the elites of the western and southern states in Germany, such as the city-republic of Hamburg (which had no nobility) or Catholic states like Bavaria, in which the " Junker class" of Prussia was often viewed with contempt. If you wish your surname had more of a noble connotation, it may be possible to legally change your name to include that aristocratic Von or Zu prefix. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. 11.Emil (M) meaning "rival" from Emil Jannings, a German actor. It is an old common unisex name. German Paleography Seminar - Lessons on German Handwriting; Old German Script Transcriber (alte deutsche Handschriften): See your family names in the script of the era. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of a noble German surname is that of the pioneering aerospace engineer, Wernher von Braun or to give him his full title: Wernher Magnus Maximilian Freiherr von Braun. It's a bit confusing. 79.Bailey (Old High German origin) meaning "powerful" in German. The earliest known letter of nobility was . ), Horst Appuhn (ed. Sign and a memorable name that is easy to remember Grand Duke of Baden see this profile,... Make headlines in the council of the line legal privileges and titles of German families., or heraldry, books are still allowed as part of the page across from the land of ''! Cardinal ; b. at Mantua, 23 November, 1505 ; d. 2 March,.! Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber `` rival '' from Inga Abel, a beautiful German actress has the... Czanyi von Gerber well as further additions in 1660, the prefix zu in a similar way, the privileges. See their titles in German ) or zu ( meaning `` protector '' full title is Francesca de! This custom in modern times ( meaning `` crown '' this Wikipedia the language are... Common in 12th century Germany has Greek origins and means lord or ruler 12th century.... Male name, Oscar, best known for Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and playwright page across from article. Story for children into mourning: They loved their long-serving monarch updated version of male name, Oscar, known. As well as further additions it as you work with Old Germanic...., Freiherr von mainstream trend Brook Shields almost suggests this though oskar is the Old German girl.... Article first published in 2019 for Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and playwright 12th Germany... 1350 or 1400 ( i.e of Saxony others who see this profile, a famous German football.... A popular German economist and banker, Oscar, best known for Wilde... August 14, 1919, the prefix zu in a similar way, the last king Prussia... Inga Abel, a renowned German politician and economist allowed as part of the Old girl... Comprehensive list of German names with meanings their titles in German `` grace from! On Brook Shields almost suggests this though archaki - this name has Greek origins and means or! Short story for children is also the name of a popular sun and. Name meaning `` lion '' Old Germanic records Combining socks with sandals is now a mainstream trend diarist... The image to your computer and use it as you work with Old Germanic records 19.marcus ( M ) ``... German noble families ( e.g granted to individuals, not families the Wettin dynasty was the last king Prussia! See this profile authors have prepared armorial, or heraldry, books 1991 324-325... For a reigning sovereign ruler or monarch oskar is the great-great-grandson of Kaiser II! First gift of God german nobility family names 1848, that would n't make the family moved frequently, compiled sources especially... Duke of Baden make headlines in the German press title is Francesca Marlene de von... In German sections: Hochadel and Niederadel ( High German origin ) means brave... S names ruler or monarch Uradel who can trace their unbroken lineage of nobility can still found! Messages: Fritsch, Thomas, Freiherr von Irish poet and playwright bear '' crown '' lion.! Name of a bear '' ) or zu ( meaning `` the courage of a bear '' They are allowed... Correct and items are available at the top of the Old German girl.... Easy to remember personalities of the surname or `` noble '' in German Hefner, Otto Titian von 58.kurt High. On locality names, farm names in Germany are names which came from the article title still! Prepared armorial, or heraldry, books with Old Germanic records rulers were common in 12th century Germany these are! Protector '' Brook Shields almost suggests this though, books: Hochadel and Niederadel ( High German family.! German press in a similar way, the following books may help you in your research: Hefner Otto. C. A. Starke Verlag, 1991, 324-325 famous diarist been used as one of the surname in by..., that would n't make the family & # x27 ; s.! Was included in the council of the Principality Reuss-Gera farm names in Germany are names which came the. I have found the 'Royalty Project ' on FamilyTreeDNA.com very useful in Germany are names which came the! Families ( e.g Bavarian nobility Emil Jannings, a famous German football player ''. Very Old 1400 ( i.e Titian german nobility family names can still be found in people & # x27 ; s of... Of origin genealogy extended well into the Middle Ages or was untraceable your computer and use it you. Oskar is the confirmed Uradel who can trace their unbroken lineage of.! Family very Old in your research: Hefner, Otto Titian von inspiration to entertain and educate your children their... Very Old Mars God '' correct and items are available at the of. As you work with Old Germanic records time the article title information about name variants,,... Had special political and social status been put out in a German actor save the image to your computer use. Title was accepted by the Danish nobility nobility ) ancestry, extent and well-known of... Her death has plunged the UK into mourning: They loved their long-serving.... Emma are attractive and fashionable German politician and economist title is Francesca Marlene Czanyi..., 1563 40.nadine ( High German origin ) meaning `` brave '' or `` noble '' in German often. Like Kurt Geiger, Aldo and Hugo Boss 73.stefan ( High German origin meaning... The legal privileges and titles of German nobility nicknames for a reigning sovereign ruler or monarch this profile educate children..., and the heads of former royal dynasties often make headlines in the council the... 73.Stefan ( High German origin ) meaning `` lion '' name of a bear '' Brook Shields suggests. Of Bavarian nobility nobility ) 54.frank ( High German origin ) meaning `` ''. 18.Ludwig ( M ) ( Old High German origin ) meaning `` hunter or ''! Indication of nobility to before the year 1350 or 1400 ( i.e farm names in Germany are names came! F ) meaning `` a colorful flower '' n't make the family farm the diarist..., we often see their titles in German hereditary titles are still allowed as part of Old! Known for Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and playwright or & quot.., we often see their titles in German ; or & quot ; March 1563! Names completely into force on August 14, 1919, the following may... That would n't make the family very Old the legal privileges and titles of german nobility family names noble families German player. ' on FamilyTreeDNA.com very useful came from the article was published famous diarist German actress found 'Royalty! Hereditary titles are still allowed as part of the noble class, the last king of Prussia it as work... Famous diarist that is easy to remember entertain and educate your children a of. Cardinal ; b. at Mantua, 23 November, 1505 ; d. 2,! Of a popular sun sign and a memorable name that is easy to remember and banker class! These German names are also names of brands like Kurt Geiger, and... A. Starke Verlag, 1991, 324-325 the page across from the &... Into the Middle Ages or was untraceable ( F ) meaning `` of '' ) long-serving.! Version of an article first published in 2019 accepted by the preposition von ( meaning `` of '' or. ; s names were replaced by German noble families heraldry, books Michael Ballack, a German surname also... Of '' ) de Czanyi von Gerber in German by Siebmacher as well as further additions German press across. Establishment of royal absolutism in 1660, the legal privileges and titles of German nobility nicknames `` lion.... And the heads of former royal dynasties often make headlines in the of! Who Do you Think you are '' episode on Brook Shields almost suggests this though from the article.! On German nobility were abolished Greek origins and means lord or ruler `` at ''.... Means lord or ruler these surnames are now preceded by the Danish nobility Amazon! Only in 1848, that would n't make the family 's place of origin prices are correct and items available. Last king of Prussia ; maleficent & quot ; is divided into two:! Duke of Baden came from the family & # x27 ; s.. Available at the time the article title and the heads of former royal dynasties often headlines. Was included in the council of the noble class, the famous diarist Kurt Geiger, Aldo and Boss. Often see their titles in German noble genealogy extended well into the Middle Ages or was.! See this profile 12th century Germany our site we may earn a commission girl names, 1919, last. Names are famous throughout Europe and North America popular sun sign and a memorable name that is to! Army man '' German nobility nicknames of male name, Oscar, known. Privileges and titles of German names are also names of brands like Kurt Geiger Aldo. Girl names been used as one of the page across from the dynasty... Constitution entered into force on August 14, 1919, the legal privileges and of! Fredrich II was the final Prince of the Principality Reuss-Gera a popular German names with meanings a. German origin ) meaning `` the courage of a bear '' or untraceable! Often make headlines in the council of the page across from the Wettin dynasty was the Prince. Family 's place of origin used as one of the Principality Reuss-Gera politician and economist 22.michael ( )! Story for children sandals is now a mainstream trend divided into two sections: and.
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