Surname Balschuhn - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Balschuhn: What does the surname Balschuhn mean?
The last name Balschuhn is an occupational, German surname that was derived from the word “Balsam”, which is an aromatic resin that was used medically and as a fragrance. This likely indicated that the original bearer of this last name was an apothecary, perfumer, or had a related profession. This surname eventually transitioned into the modern German form, Balschuhn.
This name is quite rare and is rarely found outside Germany itself - it remains concentrated in the regions of Berlin, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Brandenburg. Throughout its origins and usage in the 15th century it is believed that the name may have carried a religious significance, likely for the catholic church in the area - the “balsam” that it was derived from was believed to possess special healing properties and could refer to Mary, the “Mother of the Healer”.
More spiritually, the name could have been a reference to the “Lamb of God that take away the sins of the world” as well, symbolizing a sacrificing and generous attitude, and of Someone who “gives and give and does not receive”.
The name Balschuhn today is still used in Germany, and is often a reference to a special type of german personnel shoe which was of a higher quality than the standard version, and was a patronymic form of the Balschuh family name.
Order DNA origin analysisBalschuhn: Where does the name Balschuhn come from?
The last name Balschuhn is common in Germany today and can also be found in other parts of Europe. It is a relatively old surname, originating from the Middle Ages, and is believed to originate from the old Bavarian word 'balscheun', meaning 'axe-bearer'. It is most frequently found in the north of Germany in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the two southern most states of what was formerly Prussia. It has also been recorded in other parts of Europe, particularly in Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands.
In Germany, the most common form of the Balschuhn surname is Balschun, with the change in spelling resulting from an early adoption of the German language. Balschuhn is also seen in some parts of Prussia and Poland.
The Balschuhn family is an old prominent family in Germany, where the name is still used in an unaltered form. It is also found in the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. Records of the Balschuhn surname in the United States date as far back as 1888.
Although less common than it once was, today the Balschuhn surname is still seen throughout Germany and Europe, as well as in the United States.
Variations of the surname Balschuhn
The surname Balschuhn is primarily of German origin. It is a habitational name that originated from a place called Balschuhn found in the Rhineland. The spelling variants and surnames of the same origin for Balschuhn include Balzschuhn, Baalschuhn, Balsschuhn, Bawelschuhn, Baltschuhn, Balshuen, Balschun, Baalzschuhn, Balzshen, Balszchuhn, Balsszchuhn, Bawelschuhn, Bawlschuhn, Baulschuhn, Balshuen, Baulschuhn, Bolschuhn, and Bauschuhn. It is also possible to find the surnames Bale, Baehle, Beil, Beilohn, and Belschuehn as alternate spellings for Balschuhn.
The name Balschuhn is believed to derive from the German verb 'schuhen', meaning 'to shoe', possibly meaning that the family descended from a cobbler or shoemaker. It may also have derived from an old tradition of making shoes out of leather. The name could also be found in many locales in Germany including Balszuhn, near the Eastern Prussian towns of Gumbinnen and Goldap.
Other variants of Balschuhn or similar sounding names include Balsschuhen, Balzschun, Balszun, Balschuhn, Ballsszuhn, Bawelsszuhn, Balzhaun, Balschaun, Balzhun, and Bawelsszuhn. Through migration, it is also possible to find people with variations of the surname in Russian and other Eastern European countries. The evolution of the surname Balschuhn also resulted in alternate spellings and surnames of the same origin such as Balske, Baalske, Ballske, Bauske, and Bolske.
Famous people with the name Balschuhn
- Jakob Balschuhn: German water polo player who has received multiple gold and silver medals in swimming tournaments.
- Jens Balschuhn: former professional tennis player from Germany.
- Adrian Balschuhn: German footballer; playing in the Bundesliga.
- Christopher Balschuhn: German swimmer and gold medalist in the 4x100 Medley Relay at the 2012 European Aquatics Championships.
- Florian Balschuhn: German race car driver, known for driving in Formula 3 Championship.
- Sven Balschuhn: German biathlon coach, who has trained athletes on the national and international levels.
- Joachim Balschuhn: German actor, who has appeared in many films.
- Philipp Balschuhn: German musician and singer-songwriter, who has released two EP’s.
- Heiko Balschuhn: German film director, producer, and screenwriter.
- Gerd Balschuhn: German businessman, who has held multiple positions in the board of directors of the Bergisches Land Economic Development Board.