Surname Meinholt - Meaning and Origin
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Meinholt: What does the surname Meinholt mean?
Meinholt is a surname of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name 'Meinhold'. The literal meaning is believed to be “the firm holder” or “firm protector”. In its earliest forms, this type of name was originally a byname given to a courageous or resolute individual.
It is believed that the name was brought to England by the Anglo-Saxons during the 5th and 6th centuries, and was used by a variety of families who had migrated to England and Scotland.
Over the following centuries, Meinholt evolved in different countries, while the various spellings of the name evolved as spelling became more standard in recording names. The variations included Meinolt, Menholt, Mainold, Meinhalt, Mynolt, Mienold, Meinolt, and Mynhault.
Today, Meinholt is encountered all over the world, with its bearers living particularly in the countries of Germany, England, France, Denmark, and the United States.
The surname is believed to express the high personal hopes and aspirations of the ancient bearer of the name. As with most names of this type, Meinholt was probably an inherited name used to express courage, strength and determination. It is likely that each generation of the family has been very proud of what the name has stood for.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinholt: Where does the name Meinholt come from?
The Meinholt surname is currently most prevalent in northern Europe, especially in Denmark and Germany. The name first appeared in written records in Frisia, a coastal area in northwestern Europe, which is now part of the Netherlands and Germany. It likely originated from a personal name, which could have been derived from the Old Saxon Meinolt, meaning “fearless” or “brave”.
Today, the surname Meinholt is most common in Germany, where it can be found in parts of Bavaria, Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. It is also common in Denmark, where the name is especially widespread in the northwest of the country, particularly in Vendsyssel and Jylland. Outside of Europe, the name Meinholt can be found in small numbers in the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Meinholt is a relatively rare last name, but is still held by a number of people across the globe. It is estimated that there are around 14,800 people with the surname Meinholt living today.
Variations of the surname Meinholt
Meinholt is a surname of German origin, and it is pronounced “mine-holt.” It is likely derived from the Middle High German meinholt, which means “magnificent wood.”
Variants of the Meinholt surname include Meinhold, Meinholdt, Meinholdte, and Meinholtz. Spellings of Meinholt include Mainholt, Meinholte, Mainholte, and Mainholz.
Surnames of the same origin as Meinholt include Mein, Meinert, Meinke, Meinsel, Meinstedt, Meinzer, Meischke, and Meiberg.
Variants of the Meinholt surname can be found in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. The spellings Mainholt and Mainholz are especially common in the Netherlands. Meinholt can also be found in the United States, with examples found in Arkansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Meinholt is a unisex name, with both male and female bearers of the surname. The Meinholt surname is also connected to some of Europe's noble families, with examples found in the Meinholt family of Flessenkemper, Westphalia, Germany in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In conclusion, Meinholt is a German surname with variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is a unisex name and is connected to some of Europe's noble families. The surname can be found in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and in parts of the United States.
Famous people with the name Meinholt
- Eigil Meinholt: Danish astronomer and instrument maker.
- Johannes Meinholt: Danish entrepreneur and politician.
- Maja Meinholt: Danish professional football player.
- Helge Meinholt: Danish chess master.
- Birger Meinholt: Norwegian lawyer and politician.
- Robert Meinholt: Norwegian civil servant and trade union leader.
- Leif Meinholt: Norwegian architect and engineer.
- Geir Meinholt: Norwegian contemporary artist.
- Erik Meinholt: Norwegian film director.
- Erik Meinholt-Sørensen: Danish diplomat.
- Daniel Meinholt: Danish architect and urban planner.
- Bo Meinholt: Danish professional football player.
- Peter Meinholt: Danish animator.
- Lasse Meinholt: Danish professional ice hockey player.
- Jakob Meinholt: Danish professional ice hockey player.
- William Meinholt: Danish professional ice hockey player.
- Lise Meinholt: Danish actress.
- Oluf Meinholt: Norwegian musician and composer.
- Eli Meinholt: Norwegian First Lady.
- Jens Meinholt: Danish journalist and television presenter.