Surname Handschu - Meaning and Origin
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Handschu: What does the surname Handschu mean?
The last name Handschu is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hanscu" meaning "hand shop", and is likely an occupational name for a dealer in small goods. This is supported by records of a Johannes Handschu from Bergheim who was a glazier and glassmaker in 1376. The Handschu family in Germany dates back to the 1500s, where records of Christian and Jakob Handschu exist.
The Handschu name can be found all over Germany, with the majority of families living in the regions of Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Bavaria. Handshu is also common in the Alsace region of France.
In America the name was anglicized to Handschu and was brought to the country by German immigrants in the late 19th century. It is also common in England, as it was borne by Peter Handschu, who was born in England in 1745 and married a lady from Exeter.
Today, the Handschu name is still present in many parts of the world, though its meaning has been largely forgotten. However, the name is still associated with its German roots and remains a proud reminder of its heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisHandschu: Where does the name Handschu come from?
The last name Handschu is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the Rheinland region. This area is well known for its rich wine making tradition, for its majestic castles, and for its history connected to the Rhine river. Handschu is also present in other countries in Europe such as Austria and Switzerland.
Beyond the continent, the surname can also be found sporadically in other countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Many emigrants who left Germany in the 19th century and early 20th century brought their last names with them, and their is a distinctive Handschu presence in some parts of these places today.
In the USA, which has the largest concentration of German immigrants, the Handsuch surname can be found in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and other Midwestern states. There are also some families with this name who live in Pennsylvania, New York, California, and many other states across the union.
In addition, many Handsuch surnames that live in the USA stem from families of African American descent. This is because former slaves changed their surnames to reflect their German owners, and many of the last names continued to be used in the subsequent generations.
Variations of the surname Handschu
Handschu is a surname which is of German origin. There are various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Handschu.
Variants of the Handschu surname include Handschell, Handshell, Handschel, Handschelle, Handschele, Handshue, and Handsheu. Additionally, Handschuh is an alternate spelling of Handschu, and Handschuh is also a variation.
The German surname Handschu is derived from the old German word "handsci", which means "a glove". Thus, Handschu can be interpreted as meaning a person who made or sold gloves.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Handschu include Handt, Hands, Hantzsch, Handel, Handke, and Handschug. Handt is an old German name which was derived from the word "hand", and it also originally was derived from the word "handsci". Hands is derived from a shortened form of Handschu, and Hantzsch is derived from the old German personal name "Hannes". Handel is derived from the Middle Low German word "hanel" which means "a tub". Handke is derived from the Middle High German word "hanneke" which means "a collar". Handschug is derived from the old German word "handschue", which also means "a glove".
Famous people with the name Handschu
- Carl Handschu: American attorney who served as co-chair of the Handschu Authority in New York City, a special court-appointed body overseeing civil liberties in terrorism investigations.
- Heike Handschu: German athlete who won gold in the women's 80 metre hurdles at the 1991 World Championships in Athletics.
- Mark Handschu: American professor of psychiatry and psychiatry education who has authored multiple books and lectured in medical schools around the world.
- Dylan Handschu: Successful Australian vlogger who creates videos covering topics ranging from fashion to tech.
- Tammy Handschu: American television and film actress starring in the 2003 comedy “Just Married” and the 2004 horror film “Open Water”.
- Rena Handschu: Award-winning Ukrainian journalist and author of two books targeted at teenage girls who currently lives and works in Germany.
- Paul Handschu: English-American actor and writer known best for playing the role of Holtzmann on the television show “Sliders”.
- Anna Handschu: Leader of the Israeli United Left Party who served in the Israeli Knesset for three consecutive terms.
- Oscar Handschu: Late German scholar and professor of economics at the University of Freiburg who was one of the leading proponents of Neo-Marxist economic theory.
- Margo Handschu: Contemporary American painter and sculptor who has exhibited artworks in several museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.