Surname Alpe - Meaning and Origin
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Alpe: What does the surname Alpe mean?
The surname Alpe is of topographic origin, derived from the geographical features of the landscape where the original bearer lived or owned land. In this case, Alpe is derived from the Old English term "ealh," meaning a building such as an altar or temple, often associated with a certain deity. Over time, the term also came to signify a hideaway or a remote shelter. Therefore, it's likely that the progenitors of the Alpe name lived in or near such a structure. Alpe also has similarities with the German word for the Alps mountain range, possibly suggesting a connection to the area. Overall, surnames served as a practical method of identifying people in a wide range of social settings and occupations, and the Alpe family would have been recognizable by their geographical or occupational connection.
Order DNA origin analysisAlpe: Where does the name Alpe come from?
The surname Alpe is most commonly found in Switzerland, where it is a variant of the more common surname Alp. It is also found in small numbers in Germany, Austria and the United States. The name is thought to be derived from the Old High German word alp, a generic term for alpine meadow, but it is also thought to be associated with the word alpaga, used to refer to a buoyant, springy type of step or dance.
Although common in the past, the surname Alpe has become relatively rare due to the increased mobility of people and their families. In Germany, for example, the name is virtually nonexistent except in the southern states, where it is more common by the Loiphir ruled by the Hohenzollern dynasty.
In Switzerland, however, the Alpe surname is still quite widespread, particularly around Zurich and Bern. It is also found in Wallis and slightly further afield in its neighbouring cantons, reaching into the French speaking cantons of Valais, Vaud and Neuchatel.
In the United States, the surname is relatively rare compared to the other Alp variants, with most Alpes concentrated in Maryland and Washington DC, where the surname was possibly first adopted by French-speaking migrants.
It is possible that the Alpe surname may be more widespread elsewhere in the world, particularly among those descended from European migrants who travelled for work or other reasons in the past century. As more records become accessible, hopefully more details will come to light about the origin and migrations of those with the surname Alpe.
Variations of the surname Alpe
The surname Alpe has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The name has a Germanic origin and the variants include Alp, Alpen, and Alpne. The spelling variants for the surname include Aalp, Aelp, Aylp, and Aalpen.
Surnames of similar origin include Albro, Albrecht, Alvey, Allbaugh, Allbee, and Albee. The surname is also sometimes spelled Albers, Alper, Alpers, Alpersen, and Alpersons.
An alternate spelling of the surname is Alp, which is an ancient Germanic root word meaning “an elevated place” such as a mountaintop. It is possible that the surname was originally derived from a nickname describing someone who lived on a mountain or a hilltop.
In some cases, the name is thought to have been derived from a place-name such as Alpen in Germany. It is thought that this surname was brought to England by German settlers in the 12th century. This is why the surname can be found in England as well as some other countries in Europe.
The surname can also be found in various English-speaking countries as a result of immigration. For example, the surname Alp appears in the United States in several variants such as Alpbacher, Alpfard, and Alpfeller. It can also be found in Canada, Australia, and other countries.
Overall, the surname Alpe has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is thought to have either been derived from a nickname or a geographical place name. As a result, it is often found in countries around the world, as a result of immigration.
Famous people with the name Alpe
- Cesc Alpera: Spanish professional footballer
- Antonio Alpera: Spanish film and TV producer
- Roberto Alpera: Italian painter
- Carlos Alpera: Spanish professional footballer
- Alberto Alpera: Italian singer
- Jesús Alpera: Spanish politician
- Faustino Alpera: Spanish soldier and philosopher
- José Alpera: Spanish academic and CEO
- Wenceslao Alpera: Venezuelan sculptor
- J. Emiliano Alpera: Spanish poet