Surname Behrndt - Meaning and Origin

Behrndt: What does the surname Behrndt mean?

The last name Behrndt is a German surname of patronymic origin, derived from the first name of one's father. It originates from the Middle High German word “berhant,” meaning “famous” or “illustrious.” A coat of arms created for this surname four centuries ago still exists today, and bears the colors of red, white, and yellow on a square field, representing loyalty, strength, courage and joy.

The coat of arms was created to honor a Behrndt ancestor who performed brave deeds in a mountain pass. Today, the name is found in Scandinavia, the United States and in German-speaking countries. As the name spread outward, it has come to take on various spellings, including Behrent, Behrnt, Beyrndt, Beyrnt, Bernt and Berhndt.

Throughout its history, the Behrndt surname has been associated with loyalty and bravery. Those with this last name can continue to honor their ancestors and take pride in their surname by understanding its rich and storied history.

Behrndt: Where does the name Behrndt come from?

The last name Behrndt is common in northern Germany, where it was first recorded in the region during the Middle Ages. In fact, the earliest known record of the surname dates back to 1290 in Hamburg. It is also present in Sweden, in its slightly modified spelling of "Behrndtz," and in countries where immigration from Germany has taken place, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In modern Europe, the surname can be found most commonly in northern Germany, especially in the states of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Lower Saxony. The largest concentration of the surname is found in Hamburg, where it ranks in the top 900 surnames in the city. In Sweden, where the surname is usually spelled "Behrndtz," Persons with the name can be found in the Stockholm area, as well as in small numbers in Uppsala, Gotland, and Kopparberg counties.

In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, as these are states where German immigrants settled in the 19th century. It is also present in Canada, particularly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, although it is quite rare in those provinces.

In Australia and New Zealand, Behrndt can also be found, due to German immigrants who arrived in those countries in the late 19th century and early 20th century. In the most recent census, the surname was ranked fairly low (under 10,000) in both countries, with more people having the surname in Australia than New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Behrndt

The variants, spellings and surnames for the same origin for Behrndt are some common spellings including Behrndt, Behrendt, Behrnd, Berhndt, Behnrdt, Berhnd, Behrend, and Behnrd. The spelling of the surname can differ depending on what part of Germany it is from.

The Be(h)rndt surname has been passed down for generations in Germany, with the origin being a middle German term for a farmhand, or "Bauer" meaning "Farmer." It is most commonly found in Germany's northern and central regions.

In the U.S., the Behrendt version of the name is the most common spelling. The Behrend family is one of the most widespread German-American families. Some of the most well-known Behrendts/Behrends are U.S. Senator Carl Curtis Behrend of Pennsylvania, and German actress Heidemarie Behrendt.

The Behrndt version of the surname is commonly found in northeastern regions of Germany, as well as in Southern Poland and Czech Republic. The Berhnd/Berhndt spelling is also found in North western Germany.

Behrnd/Behrndt can also be found in Low Saxon regions. In the Scandinavia countries of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, the Behnrdt form of the surname is found.

Other surnames from the same origin include Bauer, Beerndt, Baerndt, Beernd, Berndt, Bernd, and Bennrdt. Yet there are many different variations of these surnames around the world today.

Famous people with the name Behrndt

• Sacha Behrndt: German actor known for his work on Unsolved and Killing Bester.
• Matthew Behrndt: American musician and multi-instrumentalist.
• Sarah Behrndt: German actress known for her work on Königskinder and Darkspace.
• Jens Behrndt: German cyclist who won a bronze medal in the 1972 Olympics.
• Jane Behrndt: American actress known for sold items on the 1980s show Glitter.
• Tod Behrndt: American politician and current Governor of Delaware.
• Mark Behrndt: American professional basketball player, played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1982-1985.
• Tim Behrndt: American entrepreneur, founder of Boss Lift Technologies.
• Ilse Behrndt: German singer, released the album “Cynical Wind” in 2011.
• Alan Behrndt: German rapper, part of the duo Misty Dawn.
• Marlies Behrndt: German actress, appeared in several short films.
• Andre Behrndt: German philosopher, author of the book The Inner Meaning of War.
• Paul Behrndt: German artist, exhibited his work at the 2007 ARCO Art Exhibition.
• Manon Behrndt: French painter, known for her abstract landscapes.
• Mike Behrndt: American drummer, member of the band Free Bird.
• Luca Behrndt: Austrian artist, works with photography and video.
• Annette Behrndt: Dutch opera singer, part of the Friesland Opera Company.

Other surnames

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