Surname Bräuning - Meaning and Origin
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Bräuning: What does the surname Bräuning mean?
The last name Bräuning is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German name Brøning, which was a nickname given to someone who likely had a dark complexion or black hair. This could have been a way to distinguish them from other members of their society at the time. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved to its current spelling.
From a historical perspective, many people bearing the last name Bräuning likely trace their roots to the southern region of Germany as well as Austria. This surname was popular in Germany throughout the late 18th century and into the mid-20th century. A notable figure with the Bräuning last name is German scientist Rudolf Bräuning, who made significant contributions to the field of cosmic radiation during the mid-20th century.
The etymology of the name itself suggests that it means “dark ruler” or “dark lord”. Therefore, this surname could be considered an occupational surname, although its precise origin is unknown. This likely refers to someone with authority or power, such as a leader or a mayor.
Today, many people who bear the last name Bräuning can be found primarily in Germany, as well as in Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and the United States. As this is an uncommon last name, there is likely some level of familial connection among all those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisBräuning: Where does the name Bräuning come from?
The last name Bräuning is a common German language surname that is associated with East Prussia and the current day Kaliningrad Oblast region in Russia, which was known as East Prussia prior to the end of the Second World War. It is most common in East Prussia and the Baltic states, such as Germany, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
In Germany, the name is found in cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich, as well as in areas previously belonging to East Prussia, such as Württemberg, Thuringia, Bavaria, and Rhineland-Palatinate. In the United States, it is found throughout the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the South.
In other parts of the world, the name can be found throughout Canada, much of Central America, and parts of South America. It is also commonly seen in Western and Eastern Europe, including countries such as France, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Turkey.
The name is derived from the germanic words bruon, meaning 'fierce', and hunn, which translates to 'bear' or 'king'. This suggests that the name Bräuning may have been associated with a principal or influential family in medieval times.
Variations of the surname Bräuning
The surname Bräuning is of Germanic origin and has several variants and spellings. The most common variants include Brauning, Braeuning, Bräuning, Brayning, Braening, Bräuning and Braning. The names Braun and Braeunig can also be seen as derivative variants.
In Germany the surname Bräuning has been recorded in several places such as Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria. In Switzerland the surname is found in the cantons of Zurich, Graubünden and Zug.
Up until the 19th century, names beginning with 'Bräun' in German commonly were found in both the language spoken in the southern regions of Germany, as well as in the dialect of the Northern regions of Germany. The name Braeuning is most commonly found in Northern Germany.
Other surnames of similar origin include Brune, Brüning, Bürning, and Brückner. The Germanized spelling of Bräuning can also be found in other countries in Europe, most notably in Austria and the Netherlands.
In the United States, spellings such as Braening, Brauning, and Bruening are most common. The surname has also been Americanized in earliest recordings as Braning, Broning, and Bråning.
Famous people with the name Bräuning
- Joachim von Bräuning: German actor, director, writer, and theatre manager
- Carsten Bräuning: German weightlifter and German Masters Athletics champion
- Ernst Bräuning: German composer and music theorist
- Frederike von Bräuning: German author and poet
- Hugo Bräuning: Swiss architect
- Jürgen Bräuning: German politician and former chairman of the SPD's youth wing
- Hans Bräuning: German historian, academic, and author
- Christoph Bräuning: German footballer
- Annemarie Bräuning: German film producer and film director
- Georg Bräuning: German entomologist and professor of zoology
- Kurt Bräuning: German politician and member of the SPD in Hesse
- Peter Bräuning: German sculptor, graphic artist, and photographer