Surname Aufderheide - Meaning and Origin
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Aufderheide: What does the surname Aufderheide mean?
The last name Aufderheide is a German surname, derived from the phrase ‘auf dem Heide’ which is literally translated as ‘on the heath’. It was typically given to families who hailed from a region known for its heathland which could be found in many parts of Germany. It is also likely that it could have been used to indicate those who worked in farming of heathlands.
The name Aufderheide is relatively common in Germany and the United States as many immigrants from Germany arrived in the US in the 19th century, including to Pennsylvania where a large number of German-Americans settled and began to thrive.
The surname Aufderheide is likely to evoke many connotations and associations for those familiar with it, including a connection to nature, where the surname derived from, and to hard work and appreciation of the land and its riches.
It is a name that, while not particularly prominent, certainly stands out due to its unusual association with the heaths of Germany. As such, it can act as a reminder of a person's roots, where their family originated, and what their relatives were known for.
Order DNA origin analysisAufderheide: Where does the name Aufderheide come from?
The last name Aufderheide is an aristocratic German hereditary surname originating in the 9th century. It was first found in the lands of Saxony where the family made a considerable contribution to the political, religious and cultural development of the region. Over the centuries the last name Aufderheide has spread to many other countries throughout Europe and the world.
Today, Aufderheide's can be found living mainly in the United States, Germany, Switzerland, and in Austria. In the United States, Aufderheide's are found concentrated mainly in the Midwestern states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, although they can be found scattered around the country. In Germany, Aufderheide's are most common in the states of Bavaria, Hesse, Baden-Wurttemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate.
In Switzerland, Aufderheide's are concentrated in the cantons of Zurich, Basel, Bern, and Basel-Landschaft. Lastly, in Austria, Aufderheide is most common along the border with Bavaria, in the state of Vienna.
Overall, Aufderheide is an uncommon surname, however, it can be found scattered throughout much of Europe and the United States, with higher concentrations in northern Germany, the Midwestern United States, and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Aufderheide
The surname Aufderheide (as well as its variant Auf Der Heide) is of German origin. It is derived from the German words auf, which means “on,” and der Heide, which means “heath,” or “heather.” During the Middle Ages, the name referred to one who lived in a clearing on a heath or heather.
Aufderheide and its variants can be found in numerous forms and spellings throughout Europe, including: Auf der Heide, Auf der Heyde, Auff Der Heide, Auffder Heyde, AwfDerfHeide, Ofderheyde, Aufder Heyde, Aufder Heydey, Uffderheyde and Oderheyde.
In the United States, Aufderheide can also be seen in a variety of spellings including Alvordey, Alvorde, Alvord, Elford, Allford, Halvord, Alvard, Olphardt, Olvey and Alfert.
Not only has the surname of Aufderheide been used by various people from Germany, but also by people from many other nations. For example, the variant Uffderheyde was used by some Dutch people living in Germany.
In conclusion, the surname of Aufderheide has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin which are found throughout Europe and the United States.
Famous people with the name Aufderheide
- Chris Aufderheide, professional American football player
- Richard Aufderheide, American philologist and professor of Romance Languages at the University of Chicago
- Susan Aufderheide, American soccer coach and former collegiate player
- Bill Aufderheide, Hall of Fame Baseball pitcher
- Chris Aufderheide, award-winning documentarian and independent film director
- Peter Aufderheide, professor of anesthesiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin
- Chuck Aufderheide, former professional football player
- William Aufderheide, 19th century American lawyer and editor
- Paul Aufderheide, Australian footballer
- Emil Aufderheide, American choir conductor and composer