Surname Gönnenwein - Meaning and Origin
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Gönnenwein: What does the surname Gönnenwein mean?
The surname Gönnenwein is an old German name. It is composed of two elements, ‘Gönnen’ and ‘wein’, which were often used to coin names in medieval Germany. 'Gönnen' is a verb, derived from the Old High German 'gennen', which means 'to spare, pity or allow`, while 'wein' is an old German word meaning ‘friend’, ‘wine’ or ‘meadow’.
The individual pieces of this name can be interpreted in many different ways, but historically speaking it was likely a patronymic name given to one’s father’s friend, implying a relationship of trust and respect (akin to the English name ‘Friendly’). Alternatively, the name may also refer to a landowner with a kind heart, symbolic of someone with a heart as generous as an Entwine (a type of meadow grass).
Given its ancient origins, it is likely that the Gönnenwein family has a long history, having held a respected position in the community for many generations. Today, there are many Gönnenweins living in Germany, as well as other countries, who proudly bear this ancient surname and continue to venerate their ancestors and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisGönnenwein: Where does the name Gönnenwein come from?
The last name Gönnenwein is primarily encountered in Germany today. It is relatively uncommon, but widely scattered across the country, with most occurrences in and around Bavaria. The Gönnenwein family entered Germany around the 18th century, when the Duchy of Würrtemberg was founded. Records show that the first Gönnenwein to settle in the area was Johann Georg Gönnenwein, born in 1707 in the small town of Schwieberdingen, near Stuttgart.
Gönnenwein is a form of the Northwest German name Günnenwein, derived from the Middle High German günnen ("to grant, allow") and Wein ("wine"). It is likely that Johann Georg was a vintner, given the family's occupation as winemakers during their time in the area.
Family records indicate that some Gönnenwein descendants left their homeland around the 19th century and emigrated to other European countries, as well as to North America. It is believed that this is why the name is found in many places around the world today, even though its main concentration is still in Germany.
Variations of the surname Gönnenwein
Gönnenwein is a German surname with several variations and spellings. The German version of the name is most often spelled Gönnenwein, but variants such as Gönnewein, Gönnewin, Goennenwein, and Goennewein are also found. It may also be found with a double "n" at the beginning of the surname (NNenwein), as an alternate spelling.
The origin of the surname dates back to the Germanic form of Cunwino. This is derived from the elements “kuni” or “kune” meaning “kin” or “family”, along with “win” meaning “friend”, and “wein” meaning “wine”, resulting in a surname with the overall meaning “family friend of the wine”.
During the Middle Ages, the surname also took on several forms based on location such as Gönnewin in East Prussia, Goennenwein and Gönnenwei in Pomerania, Gönnewein in Silesia, and Gönnewin in Pommern-Vorpommern.
Variations of the surname can also be found in other countries, many of which are the result of immigration. For example, Gennenwein in Denmark, Gonnenwein and Goninin in France, Gonenwyne in Sweden, and vehicle Goxenwein in Britain.
In the United States, the surname may be found under the spellings of Gonenwein, Gennenwein, Gonnenwein, Gannenwein, and Gannonwin. These variations are the result of alternate spellings between the ship’s manifest and the immigration inspectors at the point of arrival, as well as reflecting a variety of ethnic backgrounds within ones own family tree.
Famous people with the name Gönnenwein
- Johanna Gönnenwein: Johanna Gönnenwein is a German actress who has starred in a number of theater, television and film productions. She is best known for her roles in the TV series Alarm for Cobra 11 and the films The Red Baron and Jerichow.
- Johannes Gönnenwein: Johannes Gönnenwein is a German actor best known for his roles in the films Stereo, The Coming Days and Hamburg Blues.
- Georg Gönnenwein: Georg Gönnenwein was a German tenor famous for his roles in operas such as Mozart's La clemenza di Tito, Handel's Brockes Passion, and Bach's Weihnachtsoratorium.
- Andreas Gönnenwein: Andreas Gönnenwein is a German actor best known for his roles on the television series Verbotene Liebe and Unter uns.
- Clement Gönnenwein: Clement Gönnenwein was a German general and professor during the Nazi era. He was the Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht from 1944 to 1945.
- Johannes Gönnenwein, Jr.: Johannes Gönnenwein, Jr. is a German actor and son of Johannes Gönnenwein who is best known for his roles in the television series Tatort and The Book Thief.
- Mandy Gönnenwein: Mandy Gönnenwein is a German actress and model who is best known for her roles in the television series GZSZ and Soko Leipzig.
- Fabian Gönnenwein: Fabian Gönnenwein is a German voice actor who has dubbed the voices of characters like Captain Hook in Peter Pan and Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter movies.
- Isidor Gönnenwein: Isidor Gönnenwein was a German sculptor who created of the bust of the Ritter von Bartelsdorff in 1871.