Surname Birkenfurth - Meaning and Origin
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Birkenfurth: What does the surname Birkenfurth mean?
The surname Birkenfurth is of German-language origin, and is derived from the German words for "Birch" (Birke) and "Furth" (sometimes spelled Furt). The word “Furt” was historically used to refer to a shallow stream or ford, and is thought to originate from the Germanic word “friþu”, which means “peace”. Thus, the Birkenfurth surname translates to “peaceful birch stream” or “peaceful birch ford”.
The surname has likely been used within German-speaking families since the medieval period, likely referring to a place where a shallow stream or ford crossed over a birch tree. It is likely the result of local families in the area who adopted the surname as a descriptor of the geography near their home.
Today, the surname is most often found in southern Germany, in the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bayern. It can also be found in neighboring countries with historical connections to Germany such as Austria and Switzerland. It is also present in the United States, where it was carried to by families who emigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries in search of economic opportunity.
In summary, the last name Birkenfurth was likely derived from a description of a local location where a shallow stream crossed under a birch tree, and has been in use by German-speaking families since the medieval period. It can be found today in many countries, having been carried to those locations by families who emigrated in search of opportunity.
Order DNA origin analysisBirkenfurth: Where does the name Birkenfurth come from?
The last name Birkenfurth is a German surname that is most common in Germany and Austria today. The surname is derived from the last name Birke, an old German toponymic name referring to a birch forest. The name Birkenfurth may also be found in countries where German immigrants settled such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Chile.
In Germany, the surname is a fairly common name, particularly in the region of Bavaria. According to Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland, the name was most prevalent in the state of Bavaria with over 11,800 people recorded with the last name living there in 2019. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Birkenfurth is in the state of Bavaria, followed by the city-states of Berlin and Hamburg.
In Austria, the last name Birkenfurth is much less common than in Germany, with only 69 people recorded with the last name in 2019. The highest concentration of individuals with the last name Birkenfurth in Austria is in Vienna.
As with most surnames, identifying areas of the world where the surname is popular depends on the origin country of the surname. In the case of Birkenfurth, Germany and Austria are the two countries where the surname is most commonly found.
Variations of the surname Birkenfurth
The surname Birkenfurth is believed to be of German, Jewish and French origin and dates back to the early medieval period of Europe.The variations of the surname include: Birkenfurde, Birkenfort, Birkenfurt, Birkenfyrth, Birkenfeuer, Birkenfeder, Birkenfith, Byrkenfurth and Bykenforth.
In Germany, the surname Birkenfurth is associated mostly with Jewish ancestry and is a variant of the more traditional surname Birkenfus. It is likely that Birkenfurth was adopted by some Jews as a means to conceal their ancestry.
In France, the variant Birkenfeder became popular as a result of the French origins of the name. It is probable that the name was initially spelled Birkenfeder and then altered to Birkenfurth.
In England, the surname Birkenfurth was Anglicised into the more recognisable spelling of Bykenforth. This is likely to have been a result of the Norman Conquest when French spellings were replaced with Anglicised variants.
Overall, the surname Birkenfurth, and its various spellings, have been adopted by many families across Europe, mostly those of Jewish or French origin. It is likely that this surname has been in existence since the early Middle Ages when names were being changed or replaced due to events such as the Norman Conquest.
Famous people with the name Birkenfurth
- Alexander Birkenfurth, German physicist and nanotechnologist
- Manfred Birkenfurth, Austrian art historian
- Johann Birkenfurth, German-born American illustrator
- Hugo Birkenfurth, American cinematographer
- Oskar Birkenfurth, German film producer
- Jack Birkenfurth, American soccer player
- Doris Birkenfurth, Swiss opera singer
- Alan Birkenfurth, Australian rower
- Albert Birkenfurth, German-American actor
- John Birkenfurth, American baseball player