Surname Feinhals - Meaning and Origin

Feinhals: What does the surname Feinhals mean?

The last name Feinhals is of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin. It is derived from the German word “fein” meaning fine, and the Middle High German word “hals” meaning neck. The name is also believed to have originated from the name of a German noble or aristocratic family, with the prefix “Fein” indicating kingship or nobility.

The Feinhals name has spread around the world, with individuals bearing it sometimes changing the pronunciation of the name to something more easily pronounced or spelled in their dialect. In some cases, the name has been replaced with similar-sounding names like “Finehall” or “Fynehal” in various parts of the world.

The Feinhals surname is believed to be an occupational name, indicating a family history which includes skilled craftsmen, such as carpenters, bladesmiths, and metalsmiths. In some instances, it has also been a surname taken on by Jewish families indicating that they are Jewish.

In spite of its varied origins, the name “Feinhals” and its derivatives continues to be a name of significance around the world, indicating a family culture with a certain amount of skill, intelligence, and nobility.

Feinhals: Where does the name Feinhals come from?

The surname Feinhals is most commonly found in Germany and the surrounding countries. It is believed to be a derivation of the German word fein, for 'fine', and hals, for 'throat' or 'neck'. This Germanic name likely originally referred to a person who was thin or tall in stature, described as having 'a fine neck'.

At the height of the feudal system in medieval Europe, the surname Feinhals denoted nobility, as such attributes were highly sought after among the social elites. Throughout history, the surname has appeared in records of births, marriages, and deaths in Germany, Austria, Bohemia, Switzerland, and other German-speaking regions.

Today, descendants of the Feinhals family are spread around the world, with concentrations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and England. In addition, the Feinhals surname is still used in its place of origin in Germany, where it can be found in the records of local communities.

Variations of the surname Feinhals

The surname Feinhals is derived from the Germanic root word ‘Fien’, which is roughly translates to ‘fairness’ or ‘lawfulness’. Variants of the surname Feinhals include Fein, Feinhold, Fienhold, Fienhals, Fienholtz, Finhalz, Fuhnhaltz, Fuhnholz, and Feinholz. Feinhals is also commonly found in an anglicised form, such as Phenhals, Fenhold, Fenholdt, Fenhalt, Finholz, and Fenholtz.

The patronymic form of Feinhals is also found in various forms. This is produced by the use of a prefix (usually derived from the father’s first name) and the essential Feinhals surname added afterwards. Some of these variants include Feinhalsin, Feinhausen, Feinhouse, Feinholtz, Fenhalsmann, Fenhold, Fenholdt, Fienholz, Feinholdt, and Fenhalt.

In Eastern Europe, the surname can also be found in a slightly different spelling, such as Fainholtz, Fainholz and Finhulz. Other spellings, including Feinhortz and Feinz, are also occasionally encountered.

The Feinhals surname is also known to appear in other forms around the world, including Fähnhals (Germany), Fähnholz (Switzerland), and Finholz (Russia). Additionally, a surname Fen 'Hals appears in Scotland, along with a variant Feinhalls that is found in Ireland.

Lastly, there are a small number of collateral surname lines that are related to the Feinhals surname, such as Taglauer and Fienlaus, though these are far less common than the traditional Feinhals spelling.

Famous people with the name Feinhals

• Henry Feinhals: German politician
• Charles Warren Feinhals: printmaker, publisher, and author
• Kenneth Feinhals: jazz drummer and percussionist
• Steven Feinhals: jazz saxophonist and composer
• Robert Feinhals: actor, director, and writer
• Laura Feinhals: actres
• Anne Feinhals: Austrian film and theatre actress
• Erich Feinhals: German economist and mathematician
• Harry Feinhals: American interior designer
• David Feinhals: American professor and internationally renowned mathematician

Other surnames

Feinhalz