Surname Eichwald - Meaning and Origin

Eichwald: What does the surname Eichwald mean?

The last name Eichwald is of German origin and is derived from the German word “eich” meaning “oak” and “wald” meaning “wood”. The surname Eichwald thus literally translates to “Oakwood” and likely denotes a family who originally resided near or had some relation to a wood or forest composed predominantly of oak trees. As a hereditary surname, Eichwald is likely derived from an adequate geographical area where a certain family lived and this meaning of an ancestral home is likely the intended meaning behind the surname.

Eichwald, however, could also have a figurative meaning, which does not always stem from a geographical place. The figurative meaning is that of a “dweller in the forest” or a “forester” as this was an occupation common to the German people.

The Eichwald surname instantly carries with it a sense of strength and stability, appropriately symbolizing the strength and stability of the mighty oak. The name would also denote a family heritage that is one with nature, perhaps indicating an affinity for outdoor activities, hiking, and camping. Furthermore, the name carries with it an appreciation for the natural beauty of the earth and the appreciation of the simpler things in life. Equally, the surname would also reflect an admiration for the fortitude of the oakwood and the legacy that it has left and continues to leave in both the natural and psychological landscape of today’s world.

Eichwald: Where does the name Eichwald come from?

The last name Eichwald is most commonly found today in Germany, Poland, and Switzerland. In Germany, the name is most prevalent in the former East Germany, where much of the population was formerly German-speaking and of German ethnicity. The name is also well-represented in areas of Poland that were historically German-speaking such as Silesia. In Switzerland, the name is most prominent in Basel-Stadt, a German-speaking canton near the German border.

Outside Europe, the name is found in smaller numbers in North and South America, South Africa, Indonesia, and Australia. United States census data shows that the name was most prominently found in Pennsylvania, with smaller concentrations in California, Illinois, and New York. In Canada, most of the Eichwalds live in Saskatchewan, with some living in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Quebec.

Today, the name continues to be popular among people of German ancestry around the world. The name is most commonly thought of as a German, or of German-speaking origin, however there is a small Irish population of Eichwalds, where the name was once also occasionally found in historical documents. Â

Variations of the surname Eichwald

The surname Eichwald has many variants, spellings and surnames from similar origin. Many of the most common variations are Aichwald, Aichwalt, Aichwall, Aichwalt, Aichwalde, Aichwaldt, Aichwaldy, Aichewald, Aichwalden, Aichwaldem, Aichewalder, Eichawald, Eichewald, Eichewalt, Eichewalde, Eichewaldt, Eichewaldy, Eichwalt, Eichwalde, Eichwall, Eichwaldt, Eichwaldy, Eichweld, Eychewald, Eychwald other variations of the name Eichwald include Eichwalt, Eckhert, Eckhard, Eckhardt, Eckhart, Eikhert, Eikhard, Eikhardt, Eikhart, Ekkhert, Ekkhard, Ekkhardt, Ekkhart, Euxhert, and Euxhard.

The spelling of the surname Eichwald also varies across certain regions and countries. Spellings such as Eichwalder, Aichwalt, and Eichwalde are predominantly found in Germany while Elychewald is found more often in France. Similarly, spellings such as Aichwaldt, Aichewald, Aichwaldy, and Eichewalt are more likely to be seen in Austria.

No matter what spelling or version of the surname is used, all forms of the surname share the same origin. It is derived from the German language and means "oak woods," referring to living near or on an area of oak trees. This surname is quite common throughout countries such as Germany, Austria, and France, as well as many other European countries.

Famous people with the name Eichwald

• Ernst Eichwald: Austrian physician and zoologist
• Rudolf Eichwald: German botanist
• August Eichwald: German paleontologist
• Erika Eichwald: Austrian art dealer
• Bernd Eichwald: German Roman Catholic bishop
• Heinrich Eichwald: German Protestant pastor and author
• Fritz Eichwald: German Nazi physician
• Adolf Eichwald: Austrian opera singer
• Alfred Eichwald: German politician
• Mihály Eichwald: Austrian-Hungarian physician and botanist
• Hermann Eichwald: German psychoanalyst
• Joseph Eichwald: Austrian-German librarian and botanist
• Johann Eichwald: German philosopher and psychoanalyst
• Hendrik Eichwald: Russian entomologist
• Eugenia Eichwald: German pianist
• Theodor Eichwald: German lawyer
• Alfred Gotthilf Eichwald: German entomologist
• Günter Eichwald: German Lutheran pastor
• Broder Eichwald: Danish Biblicist and church historian
• Karl Gotthelf Eichwald: German botanist

Other surnames

EichwalderEichwaldt