Surname Meerwald - Meaning and Origin
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Meerwald: What does the surname Meerwald mean?
Meerwald is a German surname. Its origins can be traced back to a medieval German word which means "sea ruler." The original bearer of the name likely held a title of nobility or a position of power near the water. It is believed that the Meerwald surname was first used during the Middle Ages, when those of nobility had names which referred to their position or landholding. It is possible that the name was taken on by a family living near the coast or in a region of frequent flooding.
The name Meerwald would have been descriptive of the family's lifestyle or social standing, as well as of the landscape near their home. Today, Meerwald appears to be a relatively uncommon name, but is found concentrated in certain areas of Germany. Individuals with the name likely still live near the sea or have a connection to it in some way. It continues to be associated with nobility and characteristics such as strength and leadership.
Order DNA origin analysisMeerwald: Where does the name Meerwald come from?
The last name Meerwald is often found throughout Central Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland.
In Germany, it is most commonly found in states such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Bavaria. In neighboring Austria, it is most popular in Vienna, Tirol and Salzburg. In Switzerland, it is found mainly in the cantons of Zurich and Bern.
In the United States, Meerwald is recorded in nearly every state, but it is most common in Pennsylvania and other states along the east coast.
In Poland, the Meerwald name is extremely rare, with fewer than 50 people living there today with that surname.
The last name Meerwald is still very uncommon, but it can be found in various parts of the world. With immigration and other travel opportunities, it is possible to find more people with this surname in countries beyond those mentioned.
Variations of the surname Meerwald
The surname Meerwald is of German origin and is also spelled as Meerwold, Meerwalt, and Meerwaldt. It is believed to originate from Old German words for lake (meer) and forest (wald), combined to make the surname "Meerwald," which literally translates to "Lake Forest."
Variations of the surname Meerwald may include Merwald, Merwold, Merwlald, Merwaldt, Merwalt, Merwaltz, Merwalds, Merwolds, Merwaldts, Maarwoud, Maarwald, Marwald, Marwaldt, Marwalds, Marwalt, Marwold, and Marwalds.
From the German "Meerwald," the surname has been Anglicized to Morewood, Merewood, Moorwood, and Morewold. In some cases, the Dutch surname Mierwald has been changed to Meerwald in the Netherlands.
Other spellings and surnames associated with Meerwald include Merwald, Merwalt, Merwaltz, Merwaldt, Merwolts, Merwolds, Marwalt, Marwold, Marwalds, Maarwald, Maarwoud, Moorwood, Morewood, Merwood, and Morewold.
The surname Meerwald dates back over 800 years, and people with this surname can be found throughout Germany, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and other countries with Germanic roots.
Famous people with the name Meerwald
- Captain Dave Meerwald: A nationally known blue-water fisherman and conservationist who is the captain of New Jersey's official tall ship, A.J. Meerwald.
- Viktor Meerwald: Popular Austrian actor known for his roles in Schwarzfahrer (1997) and The Fake (2019).
- Andree Meerwald: A German writer notable for her children's books and the social and cultural critique Gerstenbergs Wolves.
- Judith Meerwald: A former actress and model who is now a correspondent for CNN.
- Daniel Meerwald: A German actor and theatre director who appeared in several films and television series.
- Otto Meerwald: An Austrian composer, conductor, pianist, and singer.
- Violet Meerwald: World-record-setting Olympian swimmer who competed for the German team in the Olympics in 1924 and 1928.
- Moritz Meerwald: An Austrian-American painter and illustrator known for his work in the Post-Impressionist, Expressionist, and Symbolist styles.
- John Meerwald: A successful real estate developer and radio host.
- Jenny Meerwald: An Austrian writer and nature conservation activist well known for her book, The Magical World of Cultivated Plants.