Surname Angstwurm - Meaning and Origin
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Angstwurm: What does the surname Angstwurm mean?
The last name Angstwurm is of German origin, derived from the word "angst" which translates to meaning "fear." It is thought to refer to a family living in a place known for fear and terror.
The first recorded use of this last name dates back to the 1500s in the city of Bünde, located in the German province of Westphalia. During that time, many small communities were beset by crime, disease, and poverty. Such events in their environment would have marked these families with fear. It is likely that the Angstwurm family took on this name as a way of expressing their understanding of their misfortune and fear.
The name could also be interpreted as the “worm of fear” as the German verb “wurmen” can mean to ponder or to worm one’s way into something. Thus drawing parallels between the figurative “worm” and the “fear” that the family was typically characterized by in context of their environment.
The Angstwurm family has since spread across the world from Germany and the naming tradition has been adopted by many families. The last name stands as a reminder of a time of fear and terror, but also of a strong family bond that transcended the hardships. It is a name that encourages resilience in the face of difficulty and strength in the face of adversity.
Order DNA origin analysisAngstwurm: Where does the name Angstwurm come from?
The last name Angstwurm is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It is believed to be of Germanic origin and was first recorded as far back as the 13th century in what is now modern-day Germany.
The name is believed to have originally been used to describe a person who was prey to deep-seated fears or anxieties; the two parts of the name translating roughly to 'fear' and 'worm'. Over the years, however, the name has evolved with an increasing emphasis on its phonetic qualities and has been used proudly as a family name by generations of German and Austrian families.
Angstwurm is a fairly uncommon name, only forming a tiny part of genealogical records in these countries. Despite this, it remains quite firmly rooted as a staple of German and Austrian surnames. An internet search reveals several families still proudly carrying the name, each with their own unique stories of how it has been handed down through the generations.
It would appear, then, that despite its humble origins, the Angstwurm name has stood the test of time and is still recognizable today as an ethnic German and Austrian surname.
Variations of the surname Angstwurm
Variants of the surname Angstwurm include Anxtworm, Anstwurm, Angström, and Angströmer.
The original spelling of the surname Angstwurm was Anxtwurm, derived from Middle Low German, the language spoken in the medieval period of northern Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In Middle Low German, Anxtwurm translates to "depressing worm" and is likely a reference to one's restless disposition.
The Anxtworm spelling was also used by some families during the Middle Ages, though by the early 18th century, the spelling had shifted to Anstwurm. This change could have been attributed to the many military families who looked to elevate their stature by adopting a more appealing name.
The spelling Angstwurm first appeared in the late 18th century and was likely a variation of the Anstwurm surname. This variant is still widely used today and commonly found in Germany and the United States.
In Sweden, the Angstwurm spelling shifted to Angström and then Angströmer. This occurred when immigrants realised that Swedish law did not allow multiple families to share the same surname. To ensure that their family name was unique, immigrants began adding various prefixes, suffixes, and affixes to their last names.
In conclusion, the surname Angstwurm can have several variants and spellings, ranging from Anxtworm, Anstwurm, Angstwurm, Angström, and Angströmer. Although these different spellings and variants of the same surname might look different on paper, their root origin remains the same.
Famous people with the name Angstwurm
- Hubert Angstwurm (1879: 1945): German politician who was the High Commissioner of the Territory of Belize from 1936 to 1939.
- Friedrich-Karl Angstwurm (1899: 1972): German General who served in World War II.
- Dieter Angstwurm (1892: 1967): German architect who founded the Institute for Building Science at the Technical University of Berlin.
- Horst Angstwurm (1902: 1942): German politician and diplomat who served as an envoy to the Netherlands in Berlin.
- Korinna Angstwurm (1933: 2020): German painter and sculptor known for her abstract works.
- Gunther Angstwurm (1925: 2005): German author and poet, known for writing science fiction and fantasy.
- Paul Angstwurm (1887: 1952): German politician who served as Mayor of the city of Düsseldorf.
- Rudolf Angstwurm (1906: 1954): German physicist and engineer, known for making important contributions in the field of motor technology.
- Gerhard Angstwurm (1907: 1974): German author and journalist, known for his works on philosophy and history.
- Raimund Angstwurm (1941: 2013): German philosopher and theologian, known for his work on the philosophy of religion.