Surname Altenwegner - Meaning and Origin
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Altenwegner: What does the surname Altenwegner mean?
The surname Altenwegner is a German surname derived from two words – Alten, meaning “old”, and Wegner, meaning “road” or “lane.” It is believed to have come from a nickname for someone who lived on an old road, or an old path. It could also be a way of describing those who lived on an old or ancient route.
Altenwegner is quite a rare surname, even in its native Germany. Records of the surname date back to the 17th century, with the earliest reference being 1666, when a man named Johannes Altenwegner was baptised in the city of Kaufbeuren, in Bavaria.
Originally, the Altenwegner family was likely of peasant stock, with members being tenant farmers, journeymen and unskilled workers. In later years, some members of the family may have found more lucrative careers in the armed forces, civil service, and professions such as medicine.
Given the rarity of the surname, it is likely that those who share it are all distant relatives. As such, it is very possible that members of the Altenwegner family are spread across the world, with members living in countries that had once been part of the German empire, such as France, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
No matter where the Altenwegners live today, they can feel proud of their ancestral origins and of their connection to a part of history that dates back hundreds of years.
Order DNA origin analysisAltenwegner: Where does the name Altenwegner come from?
The last name Altenwegner is still a common name in Germany today. Records suggest it is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. This surname derives from the German words alt (old) and wegner (traveler or wayfarer). This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have been migrants, or possibly innkeepers.
Indeed, family members with the last name Altenwegner are believed to have been found in the 12th and 13th centuries in the village of Ehingen an der Donau in present day Bavaria. They possibly worked in hospitality, taking care of travelers along their journey. Over the centuries, the name has spread to other regions throughout Germany, primarily through migrations.
The Altenwegner family is particularly associated with the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany, which is now a state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Emigrants from this region started what became known as the German migration to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thus, many of the Altenwegner family can now be found in Pennsylvania throughout the United States.
Today, it is believed that close to 200 people in Germany bear the Altenwegner name, with significantly more scattered throughout the United States and the rest of the world. The Altenwegner surname is still an important part of the German genealogical record, with many people proud to bear the name in honor of their ancestors.
Variations of the surname Altenwegner
Altenwegner is a German surname. It is derived from the Old High German expression Altin wegina which roughly translates to "old path". The variants and spellings of the surname Altenwegner include Altenweger, Altenwegner, Alltenweger, Altinwegner, Alltenwegner, Halltenweger, Helltenwegner, Haltenwegner, Haltenweger, Awtenweger, and Oltinwegner.
The surname Altenwegner is also seen in multiple spellings due to different regional dialects, making it reach different variations across Europe. Common variations of the surname are Altinwegner, Alltenwegner, Halltenwegner, and Heltenwegner. Additional spellings are a result of the changing of vowels, and the addition or removal of certain letters from the beginning or the end of the surname.
Altenwegner is also an uncommon surname for the Dutch, Scandinavian, and British populations. In these demographics, the surname may appear slightly modified or adapted based on the local language. For example, it is spelt Oltinwegner in the Dutch language, and Altinveganer in Scandinavian.
In the British Isles, the surnames Alltonnegar, Altenwegginer, Altinwegner, Haltenwengner, and Holtenweinger may be found. The spelling Altinweggenar and Heltenwengner may be seen in other parts of Europe.
Overall, Altenwegner is a rare surname in multiple European countries, and its variants and spellings reflect the culture and language of the region it is found in.
Famous people with the name Altenwegner
- Jens Altenwegner: Jens Altenwegner is a German former professional footballer who played predominantly as a right-back and a defensive midfielder for several teams in the German football leagues. He was also capped four times for Germany at the U-21 level.
- Andreas Altenwegner: Andreas Altenwegner is also a German former professional footballer who played predominately as a defensive midfielder and right back for several teams in the German football leagues. He was capped four times for the German national team.
- Johannes Altenwegner: Johannes Altenwegner is a German racecar driver who competed in the German VLN Championship and the 24 Hours Nürburgring from 2000 to 2012.
- Klaus Altenwegner: Klaus Altenwegner is a German composer, singer and songwriter, best known for his album Remembering You, released in 2009.
- Günther Altenwegner: Günther Altenwegner is a German politician, who served with the Free Democratic Party from 2012 to 2017. He was the Interior Minister of Brandenburg from 2014 to 2017.
- Joachim Altenwegner: Joachim Altenwegner is a German Olympian and track and field athlete. He competed in the 800m and 400m race, and won bronze medals for both events at the 1968 Olympics.