Surname Burfeind - Meaning and Origin

Burfeind: What does the surname Burfeind mean?

The last name Burfeind is of German origin. It belongs to the hereditary nobility class in Germany and is derived from the middle-high German word 'burfint' which meant 'freeholder'. This name was given to people who had land holdings on their own lands.

The Burfeind family was known for their loyalty and service to the higher ranking members of German society. During the 19th century, the Burfeind family was well-respected as they provided noble services to both the Prussian court and the imperial houses of Austria and Germany.

The Burfeind family was highly renowned for its scholarly achievements in various fields. The most notable members of the family were Doctor Franke Bernhard Burfeind, a highly respected professor of philosophy, and Doctor Johannes Friedrich Burfeind, a leading political figure in the independent grand duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.

The Burfeinds can trace their lineage all the way back to the 16th century. They served in many capacities over the centuries, from civil servants to courtiers, to teachers and writers, and even to diplomats. At the same time, they have maintained a noble, prestigious, and distinguished reputation throughout the centuries.

Today, the Burfeind name stands for honour, quality, and historical significance. This last name carries a proud tradition of dedication, integrity, and service with it, and even to this day represents a lasting legacy of excellence and respect.

Burfeind: Where does the name Burfeind come from?

The last name Burfeind is most common today among Americans of German descent. It first appeared in Germany towards the end of the Middle Ages. The earliest known bearer of the name was Johannes Burfeind who was recorded in the city of Leer in 1558.

The name is most prevalent in the United States, especially in the Midwestern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as in the South. The region of most frequent occurrence is the Midwest, where about 2,800 Burfeind families live in the USA. Other countries of high concentration are Germany, The Netherlands, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Burfeinds today are scattered throughout the world. They aren't a large population but they are widespread. The name has been found in military lists, professional football teams, cabinet members, even on records that reach back to the 17th century.

The Burfeinds are a diverse group representing families from different backgrounds and many walks of life. They are farmers, lawyers, business owners, educators, and much more. They are proud to carry the last name and they are all proud to be members of a larger Burfeind family.

Variations of the surname Burfeind

The surname Burfeind is derived from the German word “Burfeynde” which means “defender of the town or castle.” It is found in some parts of Germany and the surrounding countries, including Austria, The Netherlands and Denmark.

The most common variants of Burfeind are Burfeindt, Burfeinden, Burfeiner, and Burfeinder. Variants of these spellings can also be found, such as Burfend, Bürfeind, and Bürfeinder.

Variations on the surname can be found in other countries where people with German ancestry have settled, leading to names like Barfend, Barfender, and Barfein in the United States and Canada. This is generally the result of immigrants not knowing how to spell the original name.

Surnames related to Burfeind are Boekel, Büfkens, Buetting, and Burckel. These all share the “burf” root with Burfeind, and are derived from occupations once near the city walls of old Germany.

The suffix –feind in the surname suggests a defender of the walls, so other derived surnames include Verfein, Schäfeind, and Völpelfein. Related surnames include Knechtfeind, Deifind, and Burgeis.

In conclusion, the surname Burfeind has a lot of variants, spellings, and related surnames, many of which refer to occupations associated with protecting the town or castle walls.

Famous people with the name Burfeind

• Marc Burfeind: German former football player
• Mike Burfeind: American former basketball player
• Todd Burfeind: American former baseball coach
• Kristen Burfeind: American actress
• Jennifer Burfeind: American singer and of Letters frontwoman
• Tim Burfeind: German television presenter and former footballer
• Seth Burfeind: American music producer and composer
• Daniel Burfeind: German football player
• Wendy Burfeind: American philanthropist
• Entertainment Burfeind: German musician, producer, and actor

Other surnames

Burfeindt