Surname Freundlich - Meaning and Origin

Freundlich: What does the surname Freundlich mean?

Freundlich is a German surname meaning "friendly" or "kind". This surname originated in the Rhineland region of Germany. It is a common Jewish surname, having been adopted by Jews in the 18th century when surnames became commonplace. As the Jews moved to other countries with their families, they took their surname with them.

The Freundlich surname also spread to other countries throughout Europe, as well as to North and South America. In the United States, the surname found its most frequent use in New York City, where many German immigrants settled. Freundlich has also become a very popular surname in Israel amongst the large number of immigrants from Eastern Europe and Germany.

One of the most famous people with the surname Freundlich is German-born American physicist Otto Robert Freundlich. He was an important participant in the Weimar Republic's bustling art world, collaborating with many members of the German Expressionist movement. He was also involved in the Dada and Bauhaus movements, and was a pioneer of modern abstract art.

Generally, the surname Freundlich describes someone who is warm and friendly. Freundlich has come to symbolize human kindness and trustworthiness. Those who bear the surname may be known for their affability, their generosity, and their genuine desire to help others. People with the Freundlich surname are often viewed as trustworthy individuals with great social skills.

Freundlich: Where does the name Freundlich come from?

The last name Freundlich is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. It is of German origin and likely derived from the word “freundlich,” which literally means “friendly” in German.

The name was likely first established in regions of northern and central Europe where German was spoken and eventually spread throughout the German-speaking world. Today, it is its most prominent in Germany where it is one of the 100 most common surnames. Elsewhere, in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania the name is prevalent, especially amongst the Jewish communities.

Due to Germany having historically been a center of Jewish life in Europe, the name Freundlich is especially common in the Jewish communities of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who trace their origins back to pre-WWII Europe. Additionally, due to successive waves of German immigration, the name is popular in places such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa. It is also found frequently among the Jewish population in those countries.

The presence of this surname can be seen in the numerous notable people that have adopted it; this includes the famous German-American physicist Erwin Freundlich, the Polish-Swiss-German actress Beate Freundlich, and Bosnian Jewish writer Bergson Freundlich.

Variations of the surname Freundlich

The surname Freundlich can have several different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variations are often caused by changes in spelling habits over time. The most common variations to the surname Freundlich are Friedlich, Fruendlich, Fruendt, Fruendel and Freundel. All of these spelling variants are derived from the same original surname, Freundlich.

The Friedlich spelling is the most commonly used variant, usually seen in Germany. It is a patronymic variant, forms from the male given name Friedlach. This variation is also seen in other countries, such as Austria and Germany.

Fruendlich is also used as a spelling variant in Germany. This is also a patronymic variant, derived from the male given name Trutwin. This variant is also seen in other countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Fruendt is the adopted Dutch spelling, deriving from the Little Dutch surname Fruwendel. This variant is also seen in Belgium.

Fruendel and Freundel are mainly seen in Germany as spelling variants of the original surname Freundlich. This variant is also seen in Austria.

The surname Freundlich is often seen in other countries, some Anglicized variants include Friendlich, Friendley and Frintlich. It is also occasionally seen shortened to Frie or Frei. These spelling variations can be used to research possible family connections.

Famous people with the name Freundlich

• Julianne Moore, actress
• Alec Baldwin, actor
• Liev Schreiber, actor
• Katie Cassidy, actress
• Roberta Maxwell, actress
• Mina Tander, actress
• Jodie Sweetin, actress
• David Eigenberg, actor
• Sean Faris, actor
• Marguerite Moreau, actress
• Dana Davis, actress
• Diane Farr, actress
• Steven Weber, actor
• Olesya Rulin, actress
• JoBeth Williams, actress
• Jonathan Tucker, actor
• Josh Groban, singer
• Joanna Kerns, actress
• Joan Chen, actress
• Mandy Moore, actress
• Justine Cotsonas, actress
• Amy Hargreaves, actress
• Daniela Ruah, actress
• Russell Freundlich, cinematographer
• Burt Kwouk, actor
• Lillias White, actress
• William H. Macy, actor
• Elizabeth Marvel, actress
• Christopher Meloni, actor
• Timothy Olyphant, actor

Other surnames

Freundl