Surname Centgraf - Meaning and Origin
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Centgraf: What does the surname Centgraf mean?
Centgraf is an uncommon German surname derived from the Latin words centum (hundred) and graf (count), meaning "hundred count". During the Middle Ages, it was a title of nobility that referred to a local leader or nobleman who had the right to hold court for a hundred families or judicial authority over a certain area. Centgraf is believed to have emerged independently in many areas of European.
In Germany, Centgraf Skab was an ancient noble family from northern Bavaria, and records of their ancestry can be traced back to the 12th century. During the 15th century, the family built the castle of Callenbach in Berching, Bavaria, which was later transformed into a manor house. Members of this noble family held various prominent offices throughout the centuries, including being a member of the Oberhaus of Bavaria and a member of the Lower House (Landtag).
Centgraf families spread throughout Europe from their original home in Germany in the 16th century, with some emigrating to the United States. There are currently Centgraf families living in Germany, the United States, Austria, and elsewhere.
Centgraf is an interesting name not only because of its origin, but also due to its rarity. Although Centgraf remains an uncommon surname, its legacy is one of strength and determination as it is a reminder of an important part of European history.
Order DNA origin analysisCentgraf: Where does the name Centgraf come from?
The surname Centgraf is a fairly uncommon name, appearing to have originated in Europe. It is believed that descendants of the US Centgraf family hail from Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. Centgraf was first carried to North America in the early to mid-1700s with families arriving in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Today, the Centgraf surname can be found in the United States, mainly concentrated in Pennsylvania, its original home. The states of Ohio, New York, and California also have significant populations of Centgraf descendants.
Outside of the US, there can be found a few Centgrafs in Mexico, Canada, Colombia, and Argentina. Additionally, small handfuls of individuals bearing the surname can be found in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
The Centgraf family history is recorded by a genealogical website which states that the first Centgraf male ancestor was a Jacob R. Centgraf, born about 1714 in Zweibruchen, Germany. The Centgraf family also trace roots to the Palatine Mennonites, who emigrated to North America during the 1700s.
Variations of the surname Centgraf
Centgraf is an archaic variant of the German surname “Zentgraf” or “Sentgraf”. The root of the name is derived from the Middle High German word “zente”, meaning “loyal” or “faithful”. Centgraf is a patronymic surname, meaning “son of one who is loyal”. Variants of the surname include Zentgraff, Zentgraf, Sentgraf, Scentgraf, Zentgrav and Szentgraf.
The surname has also evolved into different spellings in other languages, with forms such as Centgrove (English), Czentgraff (Polish), and Szentgraff (Hungarian). It is likely that some variations of the name were adopted by emigrants to other countries, for example, to England and the United States.
In the United Nations, the surname is listed as Centgraf, Sentgraf and Zentgraf and is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Austria, Czech Republic, Canada, Hungary and Sweden. It is also found throughout Central and Eastern Europe and in North America.
Variant surnames include the Dutch Van Zentgraaf, the Spanish Centgraf, Wilkinson and Scentgraff, and the Polish Czentgraff. Centgraf is also associated with the surname Centorff, which is a variant spelling of Centgraf.
The name Centgraf is still quite common in German speaking countries today. Despite being an old surname, its variants are still seen in many countries and regions around the world.
Famous people with the name Centgraf
- Dain Centgraf: Professional American basketball player and 2006 graduate of Lewis Central High School, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
- Karl Centgraf: Known for his contribution to the Cinema Scene in Munich, Germany.
- Maureen Centgraf: Olympic long-distance runner, who was a member of the 1980 US Olympic women's cross-country team.
- Monique Centgraf: Singer and songwriter from Cologne, Germany.
- Dameon Centgraf: MLB pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers and former All-American player for Ohio State Baseball.
- Jennifer Centgraf: Professional model and veterinarian from Chicago, Illinois.
- Lauren Centgraf: Appeared in various films, TV Series, and commercials.
- Mara Centgraf: Professional actor, singer, and dancer, based in New York City.
- Joel Centgraf: Award-winning composer and sound designer, known for his innovative work in the field of music production.
- Lane Centgraf: NASCAR driver from Las Vegas, Nevada.