Surname Buchwalter - Meaning and Origin
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Buchwalter: What does the surname Buchwalter mean?
The last name Buchwalter originates from Germany and can be traced back to the 12th century. It can be broken down into two parts – ‘buch’ meaning book and ‘walter’ meaning ruler. Combined, the surname suggests one born to rule the books.
At its core, the Buchwalter name is associated with governance, which denotes the social standing of the family throughout history. Generally speaking, the surname carries a tone of prestige, honor, and well-being. In many parts of Germany, the Buchwalter name is still associated with people who are well educated and respected within society.
The Buchwalter name is also associated with commerce, which reflects its origin as an occupational surname. It is one of the oldest German surnames referring to tradesman who were experts at bookkeeping. Historically, the Buchwalter name was often found amongst the merchant class, but over time its scope broadened to include shop and innkeepers.
Today, the Buchwalter surname is uncommon but still carries strong connotations of honor and prestige. The name is often cited in books and other written pieces to evoke a depth of character and nobility for the associated character.
Order DNA origin analysisBuchwalter: Where does the name Buchwalter come from?
The last name Buchwalter is a common German surname, mostly found around the Rhineland area of western Germany. It is thought to originate from the Middle High German words buch, meaning 'book', and walter, meaning 'steward', and was likely an occupational name given to a steward or keeper of books.
Today, the name is most common around western Germany, in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. It is estimated that more than 7,000 people in Germany, the Netherlands, and all of Europe carry this last name.
In the United States, the last name appears as Buchwalter, but there are also variations such as Buchwalder and Buckwalter. Census records from 1880-1920 show an influx of immigrants from Germany to the United States during this time. It is thought that this influx brought with it the last name Buchwalter to America.
The Buchwalter last name is more common on the East Coast of the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The family has grown to include multiple generations of descendants in many parts of the United States. Additionally, some members of the Buchwalter family settled in Australia during the 1800s and today this last name is found in parts of Australia and New Zealand as well.
Variations of the surname Buchwalter
The surname Buchwalter is a Germanic toponymic name derived from the Middle High German buchwalter or "bookkeeper". It was originally used to refer to the business manager and may also be spelled as Buchwalter, Bakwalter, Buchalter, Bokwalter and Buchalter.
Variations in spelling of the surname Buchwalter include Buchwalder, Boukwalter, Buckwalter, Bohkwalter, Buchouwalter, Pacoualte, Packoualte, Pacawalter and many others. It may also be seen in shortened forms such as Bucky and Walter.
Variations of the surname Buchwalter can also be found with different surnames, such as Buckman, Buchenauer, Buxbaum (or Buxman), Buckhalter, Buchenfeld and even Bookout.
The variations of this surname can also be found in other countries such as Australia where it is sometimes spelled as Bockwalter, Bottomwald, Botwood, Bockwold and even Balkwalt. These variations are also seen in the American states of Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
Overall, the surname Buchwalter is an easily recognizable name with many variations in spelling and other surnames derived from the same origin. Its history is connected to different places and cultures, and has remained in use for many generations.
Famous people with the name Buchwalter
- Ruth Buchwalter: An American physicist associated with the Division of Social and Decision Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, researching digital media, computer-mediated communication, and social networks.
- Gerard Buchwalter: A former American tennis player who reached a world ranking of #350 in doubles in 1985.
- Rod Buchwalter: An American photographer known for his landscape and travel photography.
- Tom Buchwalter: An American professor and Director of Art Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
- Martha Buchwalter: An American professor in the School of Education at California State University, Long Beach.
- Mickey Buchwalter: An American glass artist who specializes in blown, slumped, and fused glass.
- Judy Buchwalter: A former American speed skater who competed in the 1960 Winter Olympics.
- Don Buchwalter: An American reigning member of the International Flatpicking Guitar Championship since 1993.
- Jack Buchwalter: An American football coach, businessman, and politician who served as the head football coach at London High School for two seasons (1961-1962).
- Tom Buchwalter: An American teacher, businessman, and former mayor of Palmdale, California. He is known for his expertise in transportation, land use, and public budgeting.