Surname Neunfinger - Meaning and Origin
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Neunfinger: What does the surname Neunfinger mean?
The last name Neunfinger is a German surname meaning "nine fingers." It is a rare surname with a variety of possible origin stories. The most widely accepted of these is that the name was originally Nein Finger or "nine fingers," and derives from an ancestor with nine children or from an ancestor with an injury that caused him to have only nine fingers.
Another origin theory suggests that Neunfinger was an ethnic name given to people who lived in the region of Bavaria, Germany. Other possible meanings include that of a descriptor term for someone who is resourceful and skilled with their hands, as if they had nine fingers.
The earliest records of the Neunfinger name can be found in the fourteenth century, in documents such as court records, church registers, birth and death certificates, and other genealogical records. These records show Neunfinger to have historically been an occupational surname which indicated an individual's occupation or trade. Records show that some Neunfingers were farmers, while others worked as bakers, masons, and coopers.
The Neunfinger surname is still in use today, primarily in Germany, Austria, and Poland. Although a rare last name, Neunfinger has gained popularity in some areas of the United States in recent years, although the meaning behind the name is often lost in translation.
Order DNA origin analysisNeunfinger: Where does the name Neunfinger come from?
The last name Neunfinger is primarily found in Germany, in particular the region of central and eastern Germany. The name is believed to date back to at least the 12th century, particularly in the regions of Thuringia, Lower Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. It is estimated that there are around 1,250 Neunfinger households living in Germany today. The name is also found in other parts of Europe, such as in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, as well as in the United States, Canada, and Brazil, where it was carried by emigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The surname Neunfinger is derived from the German word “neun”, which means nine, and “finger”, which means finger or toe. It is thought that it may have been a nickname or an occupational name given to a person who had some kind of a nine-fingered deformity. It could also be connected to nine-fingered hand tools used by craftsmen during the Middle Ages.
In modern times, the name Neunfinger is not particularly common, but there are still quite a few bearers of the surname in its native Germany. It is seen more in rural areas of central and eastern Germany than in the major cities, though there are exceptions to this rule. With the rise of DNA testing, the name is expected to spread to other parts of the world, and will likely become more common in the years to come.
Variations of the surname Neunfinger
The Neunfinger surname is derived from the German words "Neun" and "Finger," which translates to "nine fingers." The surname can be found in eastern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is often spelled Neunfingers. In Germany, one might also encounter alternative spellings like Neunfinger, Neunfingers, or Neunfingersch.
In the United States, some variants of this last name are Ninefinger, Neinfinger, and Nynfinger. It has also been recorded on Ellis Island as Naenfinger, Neunfinkle, and Neunfing. It is also sometimes found as a surname with the addition of "er" or "ers" as a suffix, such as Neunfingerer, Neunfingerher or Neunfingersch.
It is possible that the surname evolved from previous generations, as well. For example, German spelling conventions have evolved over time, and many families with the surname Neunfinger may have had ancestors who originally spelled the name as Neunfeinger. Additionally, some variations could also be attributed to the surname coming from areas where German dialects differ. For example, the Bavarian dialect would add the "-er" or "-ers" suffix on the end of the name.
Overall, the Neunfinger surname is a rare surname, and the variants can differ quite significantly from its original German spelling. However, the root of the surname comes from the two German words for "nine" and "fingers," making this a surname with a unique story behind its origin.
Famous people with the name Neunfinger
- Dallas Neunfinger: German-American illustrator and graphic designer.
- Ludwig Neunfinger: German mathematician and professor known for his research in mathematical analysis and topology.
- Heather Neunfinger: American actress, producer, and writer, well known for her roles in "True Blood" and "Arrow". 4.Charlotte Neunfinger: German artist and sculptor of the Romantic period, most noted for her landscape paintings.
- Lisa Neunfinger: German philanthropist and philanthropy advisor who served on the Executive Board of the philanthropy Charity Partnerships for United Way.
- Robert Neunfinger: German Olympic sprint hurdler who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
- Martha Neunfinger: American author and historian, best known for her book "The Original and Selected Writings of Martha Neunfinger: An American Fiction".
- Jessie Neunfinger: German-born American public-health specialist and journalist, who wrote numerous articles and columns about the healthcare system.
- Joseph Neunfinger: Austrian composer, born in 1891, who was especially known for his operas.
- Sebastian Neunfinger: German-Swiss philosopher and theologian who wrote influential works on ethics.