Surname Meinolf - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Meinolf: What does the surname Meinolf mean?
The last name Meinolf has German roots and is derived from the given name Meinolf, which comes from the old German word ‘meinwulf’. This word translates roughly to mean ‘strong wolf’ or ‘strong protector’. The name is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages and was likely given as a nick-name to a person who displayed traits of strength and prowess.
Meinolf is composed of two elements - 'mein’, which is a German word meaning 'mine' or 'mine own', and ‘wulf’, meaning wolf. This combination is thought to represent the bravery, power and strength of a wolf. Alternatively, the name can also be interpreted as ‘my own wolf’ and could have been given to someone whom others viewed as a loyal and powerful protector.
The name was initially found in areas of Germany and has over the centuries been seen in many parts of the world, including England, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and America. Today the name Meinolf continues to be an unusual yet meaningful name that resonates with people of all nationalities.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinolf: Where does the name Meinolf come from?
Meinolf is commonly seen in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia today. It is a German surname derived from the personal name "Meinolf", which is a combination of two Germanic elements, "meino" meaning strength or courage, and "Wulf" meaning wolf. This combination likely resulted in the meaning "strong wolf".
Meinolf is well represented throughout Germany with an average frequency across the country. It is also present in the Netherlands with a slightly higher prevalence in the provinces of North Holland and South Holland. In Norway, it is one of the most common surnames in the Stavanger and Bergen areas. In Sweden, the areas of Stockholm and Gävleborg also have higher than average frequencies of Meinolf.
Common variants of Meinolf include Mönnich, Mennig, Mennicke, Meenig, and Menig. The use of Meinolf is most often found in western and southwestern German regions, with those areas also containing the highest incidences of other related surnames.
As of the 2020 census, the surname Meinolf had an estimated 3,000 people in Germany bearing the name, and more than 200 in the Netherlands. Additionally, there are an estimated one hundred people with the name living in the United States.
Variations of the surname Meinolf
Meinolf is a surname of Germanic origin. It is a variant of the German surname Meinhold, and is also spelled Meinolf, Meynold, and Meijer. It is derived from the given name "Meinolf," which is composed of the elements "mein," meaning "strong and brave," and "wolf," meaning "wolf."
The origin of the name dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Germanic tribes were in a state of constant war. During this time, families strove to achieve and demonstrate a certain degree of courage and strength in order to be recognized and respected by their peers. Therefore, the given name "Meinolf" was adopted to signify these traits.
Today, the surname Meinolf is still prevalent in many German-speaking regions. It is also relatively common in the Netherlands, where a variant spelling, "Meijer," is used.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly found among the descendants of German and Dutch immigrants. Variants of the name that are also found in the US include Meinhold, Meinholz, and Meindel.
Overall, the surname Meinolf is derived from the Germanic name Meinolf, which is composed of the elements "mein," meaning "strong and brave," and "wolf," meaning "wolf." It is still found in European regions with Germanic roots, as well as among the descendants of German and Dutch immigrants in the US. The variants of Meinolf include Meinhold, Meinholz, Meijer, Meindel, and Meynold.
Famous people with the name Meinolf
- Major General Karl Meinolf Haase (German Army General and Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross recipient).
- Frank Meinolf (German actor, producer, and writer).
- Klaus Meinolf (German Olympic fencer).
- Peter Meinolf (German Olympic fencer).
- Stefan Meinolf (German discus thrower).
- Rainer Meinolf (German bobsledder).
- Giso Meinolf (German football manager).
- Dieter Meinolf (German long-distance runner).
- Markus Meinolf (German footballer).
- Jens Meinolf (German jurist and professor).