Surname Merold - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Merold: What does the surname Merold mean?
The last name Merold is of Germanic origin, derived from the name 'Marlaud' or 'Marold.' In early Middle Ages, it was an aristocratic name and it denoted someone who held a hereditary position as either a Pfalzgraf (Count Palatine) or Graf (Count). The name appears in the Old High Germanic form of 'mar-wald' meaning 'great leader.' The Mersold variation of the name is derived from the Old High German 'marr-wald,' which is a compound of 'mar' meaning 'famous' and 'wald' meaning 'ruler'.
In English, the name Merold is derived from the Old English Mariwald which literally translates to 'famous ruler.' This is an interesting name with a long and proud history. Throughout its history, the name has been used to represent nobility and power. It was particularly associated with someone in a position of great influence or authority.
Today, the name Merold is often seen in Germany and other German-speaking regions. It is still a popular name for parents to give to their children, especially in rural areas. Generally, people with the name enjoy a wide range of interests and activities, and they are often highly intelligent and creative.
Order DNA origin analysisMerold: Where does the name Merold come from?
The last name "Merold" is most commonly associated today with families who trace their lineage to Bavarian immigrants who relocated to the United States in the mid-19th century and beyond.
The Bavarian hamlet of Merold, located in Oberpfalz of the southern German region, is believed to be the source of the Merold surname, although this is difficult to verify. Records show that several Merolds from this small area immigrated to the U.S. during the mid-1800s, settling first in Pennsylvania and then in other states such as Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Modern day Merolds are mainly traced to the lineages of these Bavarian immigrants. In the 1940s, a few Merolds relocated to California after their service in World War II, settling primarily in the Sacramento and Bay Area.
It is estimated that the Merold surname is most commonly found in California, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin and Ohio, although one can find Merolds in other states. Merolds are less widespread than some other surnames and have generally stayed within the manner of the original families that moved from Bavaria in the 1800s.
Variations of the surname Merold
The surname Merold is of German origin, deriving from the old Germanic word 'mariwald' which literally means 'famous power'. It is a very uncommon surname, with only a handful of people bearing this name.
There are several variants of this surname, as well as alternate spellings and related surnames which all stem from the same origin and share the same meaning. Some of these include:
Merholdt/Merholt: Possibly a variant of Merold, this surname comes from the Middle High German word 'merholz'.
Merholz: Originating from the Middle High German, this surname is a variant of Merholdt or Merholt.
Marholt: A variation of Merholt, this German surname is also derived from the Middle High German word 'merholz'.
Mariwald: The root of the Merold surname, this German word simply means 'famous power'.
Maroald: A variation of the German word 'mariwald', this is an extremely uncommon surname which is most likely a variant or interpretation of 'mariwald'.
Marwald/Marold/Marault/Marwaldo: Variants of 'mariwald', these surnames likely stem from the same root as the Merold.
Merwaldt/Merwalt/Merval/Mero/Meraalt/Merall: All derived from 'mariwald', these surnames share a common origin and all mean 'famous power'.
Given the variety of variants, spellings and related surnames associated with Merold, it is clear that the surname is strongly connected to the German origins of 'mariwald'. Whilst uncommon, it is likely that more people bear the surname Merold than one might initially believe.
Famous people with the name Merold
- Elisabeth von Merold: German historian
- Rüdiger Merold: German footballer
- Julia Merold: Austrian opera singer
- Ludwig Merold: German conductor and violinist
- Vincent Merold: German actor
- Ronny Merold: German musician
- Laura Merold: German athlete
- River Merold: British musician
- Eveline von Merold: German politician
- Frieder Merold: German architect