Surname Meinhold - Meaning and Origin
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Meinhold: What does the surname Meinhold mean?
Meinhold is an old German surname that originated in the Middle Ages. It originates from the German word "meine" meaning "mine" and "hald" or "hold" meaning "possessions". When combined, the literal translation of the surname Meinhold is "mine possession".
The origins of this surname are not fully known, however, it is thought to come from either an occupational title (many of the original Meinholds came from serfs and free men connected with a mine) or from feudalism, being derived from a man who was the owner of a particular mining asset.
Meinhold is not a very common last name, particularly outside of German-speaking lands. However, it has had some notable carriers throughout history. One of the most notable was Augusteleon Meinhold, a German actor and stage performer in the 19th century. In more recent times, Meinhold is a particularly popular surname in German-speaking Switzerland and Austria, but can also be found in East Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Brazil.
The Meinholds are known for a strong work ethic and loyalty to family and are able to work hard and often excel in a variety of different fields. They often have creative mindsets and a sense of adventure. They also pride themselves on their strong sense of justice, empathy for others, and a desire to make their environment a better place.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinhold: Where does the name Meinhold come from?
The last name Meinhold is most commonly found throughout Germany and the surrounding regions. It is derived from the old German "meino hilt," meaning "my (little) wood." The surname is documented in the earliest records of German nobility and is believed to stem from a large extended family of medieval kings and rulers. The name is also found in small populations across the United States, Canada, Australia, and even parts of the United Kingdom and South America.
In Germany, the Meinhold name is particularly prevalent in the states of North Rhein-Westphalia, Baden-Wuertemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony. It is most popular in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Cologne. In North America, the name can mostly be found in the states of Iowa, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, and Arizona.
The Meinholds are known for their strong sense of tradition and sense of community. Throughout the years, Meinholds have managed to remain a close-knit family, even in a changing world. Many Meinholds still keep in touch through various family gatherings and community events.
Variations of the surname Meinhold
Meinhold is a German surname most commonly associated with Mecklenburg-Schwerin. It derived from the given name Meinhold and is most commonly spelled Meinhold, Meinholt, Meinold, Mainhold, or Mainholt.
The main root of the name is Mein- which means ‘loved’ and -hold which means ‘ruler’ or ‘protector’. The combination of these two words suggests an element of protection and love which is thought to be the origin of the surname.
Variant spellings can be found all over Germany, especially in areas that were formerly part of the Kingdom of Prussia. In some parts of the country, such as the Rhineland, the family name has also been spelled Miehld, Miehlth or Meijld. Variations outside of Germany are also found like Minhalt and Mingold.
The Meinhold surname has several variations depending on the region. Many variations of the surname are still in use today including Meinholt, Mainholdt, Mennoldt, Mohnhold, Möhnholdt, Maenholdt, Monhold, Maenholdt, Meinhild, Meinholtz, and Möhnholt.
The presence of Meinholds throughout different parts of Europe and Germany suggests that the surname was carried by immigrants and that alternate spellings were adopted in different regions.
The Meinhold name has endured throughout the centuries, and its different variations still exist today. Through time, the surname continues to hold the meaning of being both loved and protected.
Famous people with the name Meinhold
- Robert Meinhold: a German footballer
- Elisabeth Meinhold: a German actress
- Helena Meinhold: a German singer
- August Meinhold: a German painter
- John Meinhold: American journalist
- Heike Meinhold: a German track and field athlete
- Ulrike Meinhold: a German author
- Oskar Meinhold: a German astronomer
- Bengt Meinhold: a German ice hockey player
- Jim Meinhold: an American actor