Surname Middendorff - Meaning and Origin
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Middendorff: What does the surname Middendorff mean?
The last name Middendorff is of German origin and is derived from the Middle Dutch nickname "Middenort". The surname was likely initially borne by someone who lived near a middle village or settlement. The suffix "dorff" means "village" in Old High German, giving the name the literal meaning of "middle village".
Middendorff is an old German family name believed to date back to the early Middle Ages. The name is found in several countries around Europe, including Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Poland. It is also common in North America.
Today, the Middendorff family name is associated with lifestyles of rural beauty, artistic creativity, and resiliency. Representatives of the family have been involved in many areas of society throughout the centuries. They participated in politics, encouraged the sciences, and improved education and agriculture.
The Middendorffs are known for their spirit of adventure and love of the outdoors. They have often been at the forefront of exploration, pushing boundaries and leading pioneering journeys. Examples of their nonconformity, courage, and resourcefulness have been passed down through generations.
Today, Middendorff is still proudly used as a surname. Those who bear it continue to be known for their innovation, passion for life, and dedication to the environment.
Order DNA origin analysisMiddendorff: Where does the name Middendorff come from?
The last name Middendorff is most commonly associated with northwestern Germany and is especially prevalent in the states of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. It can also be found in large numbers in countries such as Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands, as well as some parts of other European countries. The Middendorff name is derived from the Old Saxon personal name Middendorp, which is an occupational name meaning "middle village".
It is likely that the name and its variants began to appear in Germany during the 12th century due to the burgeoning population of the area. Throughout history, bearers of the name Middendorff have had a strong presence in the region, and it continues to be a very popular name today. It is estimated that there are still over 300,000 people in Germany who bear the Middendorff name.
In addition to being common in northern Germany, Middendorff is also a popular surname elsewhere in Europe. For instance, the name has been passed down in Finland, Denmark and Sweden for centuries and is still found in large numbers in these countries today. Additionally, the Netherlands is home to a substantial number of Middendorffs who made their way there during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the United States, people with the Middendorff surname can be found throughout the country. There is a higher than average concentration in the Midwestern states of Iowa and Minnesota, likely due to German immigrants who made their way to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the East Coast states of New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are home to a number of Middendorffs as well.
Overall, the last name Middendorff is quite popular and can be found in many countries around the world today. It is especially common in northwestern Germany and has been a well-known name in the region for centuries.
Variations of the surname Middendorff
Middendorff is a locative surname of Germany and is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German words “dorf” and “drimen” and means “dweller of the village near the stream.”
Variants and Spellings:
Middendorf, MIDDENDORFF, MEDENDORF, Midendorf, MIDDENDOCK, MIDDENHOF, MIDLENDORF, Metendorp, MIDLENDORP, MIDLENDORFF
Surnames of Same Origin:
Metendorfer, Metendorf, Metendorp, Metendork, Metendorff, Metendors, Metsendorf, Middendorp, Middendorff, Middendorffer, Middendorf, Middendors, Middendorsch, Middendorffer, Midthanoff, Mittenholz, Moldentrop, Molter, Molterfewer, Muelendorf, Multerhoff, Multhoff.
The Middendorff surname can also be found in its many variations. These variants and spellings include MIDDENDORFF, Midendorf, MIDDENDOCK, MIDDENHOF, MIDLENDORF, Metendorp, and MIDLENDORP. There are also many surnames of same origin which are derived from the same base as the Middendorff surname. These include Metendorfer, Metendorf, Metendorp, Metendork, Metendorff, Metendors, Metsendorf, Middendorp, Middendorff, Middendorffer, Middendorf, Middendors, Middendorsch, Middendorffer, Midthanoff, Mittenholz, Moldentrop, Molter, Molterfewer, Muelendorf, Multerhoff, and Multhoff.
Famous people with the name Middendorff
- Helgoland Middendorff: Prussian naturalist, explorer, and diplomat who visited and cataloged the flora and fauna of Sakhalin, Kunashir, and other regions in the far east of Russia in the mid 1800s.
- Thomas Middendorff: German zoologist, botanist, mineralogist, and traveler who studied the Arctic regions of Siberia and the oceans during the mid 1800s.
- Maximilian Middendorff: 19th century German explorer of the Arctic regions of Siberia and a participant in the search for the lost expedition of the explorer, Otto von Kotzebue.
- WOLDEMAR MIDDENDORFF: Prussian military officer and a colonel in the Prussian Army during the Great War.
- Martina Middendorff: German historian and publicist from Berlin who covers the history of Cold War Europe.
- Antje Middendorff: German mountain climber and a professional in the field of outdoor sports.
- Ulf Middendorff: Modern day German jazz-pianist and composer.
- Sven Middendorff: German film director, cameraman, and producer.
- Brigitte Middendorff: German politician, civil engineer, and current Member of the German Federal Parliament for the Green party.