Surname Benscheidt - Meaning and Origin

Benscheidt: What does the surname Benscheidt mean?

The last name Benscheidt is a German surname with several possible meanings. The most common meaning is derived from the Germanic element "bened," which translates roughly to "blessed." In this context, the name likely references a blessed or holy family. Another possible interpretation of the name is derived from the Germanic word "scheit," which means "blade" or "axe." Thus, the full name can be interpreted to mean either “blessed blade” or “blessed axe."

The surname Benscheidt is also found in the Dutch language. The Dutch word "schijten," which is an old-fashioned way of saying "to empty," likely originates from the same Germanic word. Thus, the name may also be translated to mean "blessed emptier."

Historically, the Benscheidt surname has been most prevalent in the southwestern regions of what is now Germany, including Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and the Austrian region of Burgenland. It may have first originated as a reference to certain families living near or around the small German town of Benscheid, which is on the Dutch border.

The Benscheidt family name has been carried through several generations, likely stemming from the origins of the Germanic elements 'bened' and 'scheit'. Today the name continues to be found throughout several German-speaking regions.

Benscheidt: Where does the name Benscheidt come from?

The last name Benscheidt is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German topographical name, derived from residence near a steep slope, and is derived from the Old German words "bend" and "schicht," which mean "bent" and "layer" respectively. The roots of Benscheidt in Germany can be traced back to the 13th–14th centuries.

At present, the name is most heavily concentrated in the western states of North Rhine–Westphalia and Baden–Württemberg, as well as the Rhineland–Palatinate. In North Rhine–Westphalia, the cities of Dortmund and Bochum have the largest concentration of Benscheidts.

It is also found in large cities such as Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. Other places in Germany that have also recorded large numbers of people with the Benscheidt surname include Bremen, NRW, and the towns of Witten and Gelsenkirchen in North Rhine–Westphalia.

Outside of Germany, the last name Benscheidt can be found around the world, especially in countries with major German diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the last US Census, over 200 people with the surname Benscheidt were reported to be living in the United States.

Variations of the surname Benscheidt

The surname of Benscheidt is believed by many genealogists to have derived from the German surname “Benschmidt,” Ben-schmidt being the combination of two elements—in this case “Ben,” a diminutive of the name “Benedict” (meaning “blessed”) and “Schmidt” (meaning “smith”). There are multiple variants, spellings, and surnames that all trace back to this origin, including Benschedt, Benchedt, Benschmidt, Benschlde,Benschild, Benschilde, Benschichte, Benscheid, Benschede, Bensheide, Benshelt, Bensheld, Bensheledt, Benshledt, Benschlect, Benscheld, Benschelt, Benscraut, Bencheit, Benscreidt, Benscrode, Benschodt, Benschors, Benschrodt, and Benning Zero.

The spelling of Benscheidt can also be found in the United States as Benscheid and Benschied. While both of these originate from Benscheidt, they are two distinct variations of the original surname. On the other hand, the United States Census has also identified Benschedt, Benschert, Benschel, Benscht, Benschere, Benshap, and Benchey as variants of Benscheidt specifically in the United States.

Ultimately, the long and complicated history of this surname continues to surprise and fascinate genealogists and researchers alike. From Benedict, the revered great saint, to the “Smith” connecting Benedict to a profession, to the numerous variants and spellings, it is clear that each transformation has brought this surname to be a unique and distinctive one.

Famous people with the name Benscheidt

• Friedrich Benscheidt (1898-1947): German psychologist noted for his works on psychological experiments in perception.
• Sophie Benscheidt (Marquise de Benschendt; 1844-1921): A French author and non-fiction writer.
• Theodore Benscheidt (1836-1907): Prussian industrialist and philanthropist.
• Conny Benscheidt (born 1968): German high jumper and Olympic silver medal winner.
• Klaus Benscheidt (1926-2016): German painter and art dealer.
• Kurt Hermann Eduard Theodor Benscheidt (1891-1958): German organ lawyer and member of the ministerial council for legal advice.
• Emil Benscheidt (born c. 1940): German artist who focuses on producing sketches of classical landscapes.
• Elisabeth Benscheidt (born 1968): German architect associated with works on public structures in Berlin and other German cities.
• Sebastian Benscheidt (born 1995): German football player who has played for teams in the third division of German football.
• Florian Benscheidt (born 1987): German music composer who scored music for films such as The Headhunter's Calling and Er gehört zu mir.

Other surnames

Benscheid