Surname Merhold - Meaning and Origin

Merhold: What does the surname Merhold mean?

The last name Merhold is derived from two English words, "mere" meaning lake and "hold" meaning hill or fortress. This indicates that the name is likely derived from a location name, such as a lake that was situated atop a hill or fortress. This could mean that the Merhold family were those who lived on or near the lake.

Other possible meanings include a person who held a lake for someone or something, or someone who is capable of holding a lake. For example, if someone held a lake for a lord for a period of time, that individual might be called Merhold.

The name may also have an Anglo-Saxon origin. The word meere, found in many Anglo-Saxon documents, translates to lake or sea. Meere is closely related to the modern English word "mere" and could indicate that the Merhold name is derived from someone who lived near a lake or sea.

No matter where the origin of the name Merhold comes from, it is apparent that this name has references to water and natural sites - from a place someone lived to a body of water they held for someone else. The Merhold family is likely one with a long history of strength and resilience.

Merhold: Where does the name Merhold come from?

The last name Merhold is most closely associated with German ancestry. It is still present today, primarily in parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, a large number of individuals bearing the name Merhold can be found primarily in the southern region, stretching all the way from the city of Hamburg to the Bavarian Alps. In Austria, the largest concentration of Merholds is located along the eastern border, in the provinces of Lower Austria, Styria, and Carinthia. In Switzerland, the name is most common in the canton of Valais, though it also appears in pockets throughout the country.

Given the shared language and cultural history of these nations, the majority of Merholds will share a common Germanic ancestry, though individuals or families may have emigrated from other parts of the European continent or outside it in recent times. Most Merholds today are likely to be Catholic or Protestant, but there could be various non-binary spiritual views represented in the population as well.

Despite being a relatively rare last name, there are still plenty of places to find Merholds across the Germanic sphere. While the name may not be as common as it once was, it’s still a recognizable and important thread in the fabric of German history and culture.

Variations of the surname Merhold

The surname Merhold is derived from the Germanic personal name "Marahold." Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:

Marahold- Merhold, Merhould, Mearhold, Merholde, Mirhold, Mearhalt, Mearhole, Mearholm, Marowald, Merwald, Marwalde, Mirlhold, Murhold, Marhowald, Merholdt, Maraholt, Merolt, Marault, Mairhauld, Mierhold, Marall, Maharold, Maraholz, Merhalt, Maraholtz, Marihold, Marholz, Mar Old, Marhold, Merhauld, Marohl, Marold, Mirhald, Mairhold, Marolde, Merhalt, Marholdt, Maroheld, Mariholz, and Mari-Old.

These variants are found all over the world, though the surname is most commonly found in Germany and Austria. The majority of people with this surname originated in the German and Austrian-speaking regions of Europe, with smaller populations in other parts of Europe and North America.

Forms of the surname can also be found in various spellings in different languages. For example, Merhold can be spelled "Marahold" in Swedish, "Marold" in Dutch, "Mearhold" in English, "Marihold" in French, "Merhalt" in Danish, and "Marahultz" in German.

The Merhold surname likely arose independently in multiple places, given its many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Merhold

• Stephanie Merhold: German synchronised swimmer who won a silver medal at the 2009 World Aquatics Championship and a bronze medal at the 2005 European Aquatics Championship.
• Eric Merhold: Former professional ice hockey player who played for the New York Rangers from 1982-1991.
• Joanna Merhold: Polish figure skater who competed in the 2002 European Figure Skating Championships and the 2003 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final.
• Joe Merhold: American volleyball player who currently plays for the United States men's national team and won gold medals in the 2007 Pan American Games and 2005 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Championship.
• Anton Merhold: Austrian chess master who won the Austrian Chess Championship in 1935 and was awarded the International Master title in 1958.
• Monika Merhold: Former German tennis player who was active on the WTA Tour from 1985-1992 and competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
• Wolfgang Merhold: German economist who was a professor of economy and business administration at the University of St. Gallen and held numerous management positions in the banking industry.
• Chris Merhold: American speed skater who competed in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics and 2006 World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships.
• Christina Merhold: Voice Actress known for her work in various video games and anime series.
• Danny Merhold: American former runner who set several records during his running career, including the record for the indoor mile in 1997.

Other surnames

Merholz