Surname Augenstein - Meaning and Origin
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Augenstein: What does the surname Augenstein mean?
The surname Augenstein is of German origin and derives from the given name Augo, which is a short form of the name Augustus. It is believed to be derived from the Latin augustus, meaning "majestic" or "venerable." It is a habitational name, where an early bearer of the name was living in a locality or dwelling known as an Au, Aug, or Auhof. This type of location name is often found in areas in Germany where there is a small river, stream, or body of water.
The earliest record of the surname Augenstein dates back to the mid-1600s, when a newspapereditor from Bopfingen, Germany, went by the name Georg Augenstein. Though the name remains rare, it is still found mainly in Germany and western areas of Central Europe. Today, descendants of the original bearers of this surname can be found all around the world.
The surname Augenstein is symbolic of the thousands of German surnames that were created in the Middle Ages, as families became more established and adopted hereditary surnames. It has since become more common in other countries, as Augenstein families have immigrated. For many, the name Augenstein is a reminder of their German heritage and of the past.
Order DNA origin analysisAugenstein: Where does the name Augenstein come from?
The last name Augenstein is an uncommon German surname, especially outside of Germany. It is believed that the name is derived from a Biblical source, as Augenstein literally translates to "August Stone". This may refer to the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel where a large stone is said to have been used.
The surname is most commonly found in Germany today, especially in the southwestern area of Germany near the French border. There are some Augensteins located in Austria as well. It is also found in the United States, with immigrants bringing the name as they came over from Europe.
In the United States, the name is most commonly found in the state of Pennsylvania, followed by Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. U.S. Census records from the late 1800s and early 1900s point to Pennsylvania as the areas with the highest concentration of Augensteins.
Overall, the last name Augenstein still remains an uncommon last name. This might be because of its German origin, as many German immigrants during the late 1800s and early 1900s opted to change their last name upon arrival in the US.
Variations of the surname Augenstein
The surname Augenstein is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German term 'auge', meaning 'eye,' and the German term "Stein," meaning "stone." Alternative spellings of Augenstein include Augensteine, Augensteins, Augensteen, Augensteens, Augenstain, Augenstains, Augensteiner, and Augensteiners.
The surname is not especially common and can be found primarily in Germany, the Netherlands, and parts of the Northeastern United States. Variants of this surname include Augenstine, Augenstein, Augeinstein, Augensteiner, and Augenstrein.
In the United States, Augenstein is spelled Aufenstein and is of Dutch origin. In the Netherlands, it is spelled Aufgenstein and is also of Dutch origin.
Augenstein is a fairly rare name and other variants or spellings may be used by descendants of original Aufensteins or Augensteins. Other variants of the family name include Augenschein, Augensteiner, Augensteiner, Augenein, Augensteiners, Augenstain, Augensteine, Augensteins, Augenstrein, Aufenstein, Aufgenstein, and Aungenstain.
Over time, the spelling of the name has changed in various countries and regions in which the family has settled. For example, Augenstein has become Aufensteins in the Netherlands, Augensteiner in France, Fornsteiner in Germany, and Fördersteiner in Austria.Surnames from this surname root can also be found in numerous other countries and their regional variants, such as Aufgenstern in Poland, Aufgensteiner in Hungary, and Aufgenstaine in Romania.
Famous people with the name Augenstein
- Eric Augenstein, author
- Tyler Augenstein, American football player
- Eddie Augenstein, major league baseball former player
- Judy Augenstein, entertainer
- Andrew Augenstein, game designer
- Darryl Augenstein, photographer
- Julie Augenstein, entrepreneur
- Nick Augenstein, musician
- William Augenstein, film producer
- Lisa Augenstein, model