Surname Herrlein - Meaning and Origin

Herrlein: What does the surname Herrlein mean?

Herrlein is a German surname deriving from the Old High German word “hêrro,” meaning “lord or master.” This spelling of the name was found in records from south-western Germany dating as early as the 16th century. It is likely that the original bearers of the name were lords, masters, or men in positions of authority.

Throughout Germany the surname Herrlein was used to address any member of the community who had achieved a position of respect and authority. In some cases, the title could be used to refer to men of the clergy or those with a major trade. During the 17th century, the Herrlein family moved throughout the country establishing themselves in several regions including Bavaria, Upper Austria, Oldenburg, and Hungary.

In the early 20th century, several members of the Herrlein family emigrated to the United States. After making the journey, their surname was often switched to Herman in an effort to better fit in with the native population. The Herrlein family continued to live and thrive in America, establishing themselves in farming communities in Wisconsin and other Midwestern states.

The Herrlein name continues to live on to this day. With a proud heritage of strength and community leadership, Herrlein families continue to carry on the proud tradition started centuries ago in Germany.

Herrlein: Where does the name Herrlein come from?

Herrlein is a German surname that originates from Bavaria in central Europe. It is most common in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse.

The name Herrlein is especially prevalent in the historic region of Franconia, which is located in northern Bavaria and includes the towns of Bamberg, Nuremberg, Erlangen, Bayreuth, and Würzburg. It is also found in some smaller surrounding villages.

The name Herrlein transcends the German language, with similar variations in other countries around the world. It can be found in Danish as Herlin, in Dutch as Herlin, and in Swedish as Herlin. It is even recorded in the United States, where some Herrlein families emigrated in the late 19th century and established roots in states such as Wisconsin, Missouri, and Montana.

In this way the surname can be said to exist throughout much of the world, although it is still most concentrated in the region of its origin: Bavaria, Germany.

Variations of the surname Herrlein

The surname Herrlein is derived from the German name Herrman, a combination of two words meaning “army” and “man.” Thus, Herrlein is thought to be a reference to a man of war.

Variations of the original Herrman surname can be found throughout Europe, northeast Asia, and even South America. Examples of alternate spellings and variants include Herrmann, Herrman, Hirrman, Herrmannin, Hermon, Hearman, Harman, Harmann, Harmoush, and Herimann.

Many of these regional variations over time have led to the development of alternate surnames, such as Herrle, Herrl, Herrell, Herl, and Herrill. Some of these are direct derivations, such as the Herrl and Herrell, while others have evolved in pronunciation or spelling over the years, such as Herrle and Herrill.

In addition, women and men around the world with family histories of the Herrman surname have adopted either the feminine Herrlein or Herlein version of the name as a way to preserve their family’s heritage. This surname is found in countries such as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Russia, Poland, and the Ukraine.

Ultimately, the worldwide variations of Herrlein and its many alternate spellings and surnames all reflect a shared family history and tradition that is rooted in respect and honor for the past.

Famous people with the name Herrlein

• Max Herrlein, German record producer, songwriter, and composer.
• Rudolf Herrlein, German football player.
• Elizabeth Herrlein, American fashion illustrator and artist.
• Hans Herrlein, Austrian film producer.
• Axel Herrlein, German composer and musician.
• Marlene Herrlein, German television commentator, director, dramaturge, and producer.
• Carl Herrlein, Austrian biathlete.
• Vanessa Herrlein, German professional ice hockey player.
• Ronny Herrlein, German footballer.
• Karin Herrlein, German historian and author.
• Gerhard Herrlein, German politician.
• Phillipp Herrlein, German Alpine Skier.
• Christian Herrlein, German-American artist, founder of Ink Maniacs.
• Josef Herrlein, German piano maker.
• Peter Herrlein, German builder of historical keyboard instruments.
• Ursel Herrlein, Swiss actress best known for her role in the 1988 film Life Is All You Get.
• Thomas Herrlein, German canoe slalom compeitor (competitor).

Other surnames

Herrle