Surname Arenhold - Meaning and Origin

Arenhold: What does the surname Arenhold mean?

The last name Arenhold is of German origin and is derived from the Old German personal name Arnhald, which itself is a combination of two words - Arn, meaning eagle, and hald, meaning courageous. The word hald, is the same root word of which the English word 'brave' is derived. Together, the meaning of the name in full is that of a brave eagle.

This surname appears to have first appeared in Germany in the mid-17th century and remained a popular choice throughout the following centuries for German families. Today, the name is mainly concentrated in the German state of Bavaria, but is present throughout other parts of Germany, and is also commonly found among the German-speaking population in central parts of Europe, including Austria and the Czech Republic.

The name is associated with strength, courage and bravery due to its roots in the language of the ancient Teutons. Those with the name Arenhold likely have a history as strong and determined individuals who have fought and overcome their own challenges and been rewarded for their bravery.

Arenhold: Where does the name Arenhold come from?

The surname Arenhold is a German name that is still found mostly found in Germany today. Rarely found outside of the country, it could also be in some parts of Austria. It is most particularly common in parts of Bavaria, the Rhineland, Wuerttemberg, and Oldenburg. It is estimated that there are about 1,900 people in Germany today that have the surname Arenhold.

The origins of the name Arenhold are uncertain, but some sources suggest that it is derived from Adel-erhold, meaning “noble holder”, or arend-erhold, meaning “bold holder”. Both of these derive from the Old High German elements er which means “honor, respect” and holt meaning “hold, guard”. It is possible that the name was originally bestowed upon one of the Dukes of Bavaria during the medieval period when such names were first popularized.

The name has historically been used by noble families, though it is a fairly rare name today. Some of the most notable members of this line include the Earls of Arenhold, who were based in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt in the late 19th century. In addition, many people with the surname Arenhold have contributed to the arts and sciences.

Though the Arenhold name is not as widely spread as others today, its roots remain deep in Germany, and may be seen as a source of pride for its remaining members.

Variations of the surname Arenhold

The surname Arenhold is derived from the personal name Arnold, and is a variety of the many German and Yiddish surnames which are derived from this popular name. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Arenhold are:

- Arnhold

- Arnholtz

- Arnholdt

- Arnholde

- Arnaud

- Arnault

- Arnaut

- Arnout

- Aernout

- Aarons

- Aron

- Ahrenhold

- Aerenhold

- Aerenholt

- Ahrenholtz

- Aaronoff

- Aaronov

- Arnol

- Arnolt

- Arenholtz

- Arenhalt

- Arenholt

- Arenholde

- Ernaud

The surname Arenhold is also part of the derived English surname Arnold. The spelling of the surname has changed throughout the centuries and over many generations, so there may be many additional variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. However, it is likely that they are all rooted in the original German or Yiddish name Arnold.

Famous people with the name Arenhold

• Jürgen Arenhold: German actor.
• Nora Arenhold: German writer and illustrator.
• Bobby Arenhold: American breakdancer.
• Marina Arenhold: American skier and ice climber.
• Bill Arenhold: American actor and producer.
• Florian Arenhold: Swiss ice hockey player.
• Tobias Arenhold: German football coach.
• Kerstin Arenhold: German singer and songwriter.
• Werner Arenhold: Austrian physicist and chemist.
• Shirley Arenhold: American writer, director, and producer.

Other surnames

Arenholz