Surname Breitschwerd - Meaning and Origin
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Breitschwerd: What does the surname Breitschwerd mean?
The last name Breitschwerd is a German surname that dates back to the Middle Ages. It originates from the words "breit" meaning broad and "schwerd" meaning sword. This combination of words can be interpreted to mean a warrior with a broad or wide sword. The name is believed to have been given to a man who was skilled in combat, particularly with a wide, two-handed blade. It could also be given to a nobleman who carried a broadsword as a symbol of power and authority.
In modern days, the surname Breitschwerd is used both as a first or middle name as well as a last name. Generally, the meaning behind the name has remained the same, referring to a brave, strong warrior. However, the origin of the name has also taken on more metaphorical meanings, symbolizing strength, bravery and courage.
Like other German surnames, the Breitschwerd family has become widely distributed around the world. Its origin can be traced both to Germany and Austria, but It can also be found in countries like Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, as well as in various parts of Europe.
Although the exact literal meaning of the name Breitschwerd may differ from its current interpretation, the core idea of strength and courage remains the same. To this day, it continues to be proudly used by many families around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisBreitschwerd: Where does the name Breitschwerd come from?
The last name Breitschwerd is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It is a variant of the surname Breitsprecher, which roughly translates to "broad speaker". Historically, those bearing the Breitschwerd name were found in the provinces of Silesia and Silesia-Anhalt, areas now located in modern-day southern Poland.
The Breitschwerd name is often associated with the region due to the town of Breitschwert (meaning “broad sword”). Records indicate that a man named Alexander de Breitschwerd owned the village in the 14th Century and his descendants continued to live in nearby areas for several more centuries.
Today, Breitschwerd is still a fairly common surname in the region. It is one of the most frequently occurring surnames in Germany, and it is also found in Austria.
In addition to German-speaking countries, Breitschwerd can be found all over the world. People with the surname can be found throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. It is likely that the surname is a result of immigration, as people with the name appear to have spread out across the globe.
Due to the migrating nature of the surname, it is difficult to trace the current prevalence of the name in any given region. However, the Breitschwerd surname is still quite popular in Germanic-speaking countries, where it is believed to have originated.
Variations of the surname Breitschwerd
The surname Breitschwerd is an Austro-Bavarian surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word ‘breswert’ which can be translated to ‘strong shield’.
The variants of Breitschwerd are, in their respective order of prevalence, Breitschward, Breitschwert, Breitschwerdt, Breitschwart and Breitscheid.
As far as spellings are concerned, the most common alternatives for Breitschwerd are Breischwert, Breitschwert, Bretzschwerd, Breieschwerd and Breitschweid.
As for surnames of the same origin, there are several common surnames with similar backgrounds. Breitsche leth, Breitschwetler, Bretschwetler, Bretschweiler, Breitsehl, Breoviesk, Breitzke, Bressieks and Bressich are all derived from the same origin as Breitschwerd.
All these surnames, and their variants, can be traced back to the same Austro-Bavarian root. The prefix ‘breit’ or ‘brei’ means ‘broad’, and the suffix ‘scharger’, ‘schwerd’ or ‘schwert’ means ‘shield’ or ‘sword’ - combined, the two words mean ‘strong shield’. In this context, it is possible to see how the surnames Breitschwerd and its variants are quite logically derived.
Famous people with the name Breitschwerd
- Friedrich Breitschwerdt, German veterinarian
- Anna Breitschwerdt, German Cross of Merit recipient
- Eric Breitschwerdt, German logistics entrepreneur
- Walter Breitschwerdt, German Admiral
- Alfred Breitschwerdt, German tennis player
- Maria Breitschwerdt, German jurist
- Josef Breitschwerdt, Austrian football player
- Käthe Breitschwerdt, German painter
- Wilhelm Breitschwerdt, German World War II pilot
- Theo Breitschwerdt, German-American basketball player.