Surname Borgwedel - Meaning and Origin
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Borgwedel: What does the surname Borgwedel mean?
The last name Borgwedel is a German surname derived from a personal name of unknown origin. The name likely originates from Middle High German words "Burchar" or "Burgwart" meaning guardian of the castle. It could also come from "Burgbelie" meaning gardener of the castle.
The surname would have been given to someone who performed these duties, likely a worker in the castle. The lairds, knights and other members of the local nobility who lived in the castles would have needed people to maintain, supervise and guard the property, so people with this surname would have likely filled that role. Over time, the name became associated with this job.
The name is quite widespread in Germany, with people bearing the name having been found in almost all of the German states at some point. It is also present in some other countries through immigration, namely Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.
Ultimately, the surname Borgwedel likely means guardian or guard of the castle. It is a reminder of the importance of security in medieval times, and the need of castles and noble households to employ people to look after the property.
Order DNA origin analysisBorgwedel: Where does the name Borgwedel come from?
The last name Borgwedel is most commonly found in Germany and the Netherlands today. A surname of German origin, Borgwedel is most likely derived from the German word "Burgwart," meaning a sentry or officer of a castle. Records of the name date back to the early 13th century, when it was found in German states such as Hesse.
Borgwedel can also be found in Dutch records, though it is not as common as in Germany, where there are still thousands of people bearing the name. The surname is also found in certain areas in the United States and Canada, due to the immigration of those with German ancestry in the 19th century.
In modern times, the name Borgwedel continues to be found in Germany, the Netherlands, and German-speaking areas of the United States and Canada. As with most surnames, the Borgwedel family tree has grown and dispersed over time, but distinct roots still exist in those countries and regions.
Variations of the surname Borgwedel
Borgwedel is a German surname that derives from the family of a medieval ruler who lived in the area of Borgwedel, in the district of Heidekreis, in Lower Saxony, Germany. The surname has several variants, spellings, and associated surnames. The most common variant is Borgwald, with numerous other variant spellings of this name including Borwald, Borgwal, Borgwall, and Boergwaedel. Other variants include Borgweidell, Borgwaedl, and Borgwaedele.
Surnames that are closely associated with Borgwedel include Borgwedehl, Borgweil, and Borguell. The origin of the surname may also be found in the middle High German words "borge", meaning a wall or embankment, and "wal", meaning a forest, or of the extended family. As such, the family of Borgwedel is likely related to the families of similar surnames that have the same root words.
The surname Borgwedel has been a common one throughout Germany, especially in the area around Heidekreis. It has also been found in various other parts of Europe, including Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It is also possible to find people with the surname Borgwedel living in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as some people with this surname emigrated in search of a better life.
Famous people with the name Borgwedel
- John Borgwedel: a former New Zealand diplomat and environmental advocate, formerly the executive director of the New Zealand branch of the World Wildlife Fund.
- Peter Borgwedel: a former Australian politician who represented the Liberal Party in the House of Representatives from 1994 to 1996.
- Alannah Borgwedel: an Australian Paralympic swimmer who represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.
- Johannes Borgwedel: a German physicist and broadcaster, mostly known for his work on quantum theory and his popular science lectures.
- William Borgwedel: a former American diplomat who served in the Reagan and Bush administrations.
- Jan Borgwedel: a Norwegian professional football player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Renate Borgwedel: a retired German runner who specialized in the 800over meters, and represented her country at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Ivar Borgwedel: a Danish professional football player who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
- Tim Borgwedel: an American football offensive tackle who played college football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Matthew Borgwedel: an American born professional jockey who is known to have competed in the Breeder's Cup Classic and the Preakness Stakes.