Surname Neunteufel - Meaning and Origin
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Neunteufel: What does the surname Neunteufel mean?
The last name Neunteufel is derived from the German phrase "Neun Teufel." This translates to nine devils in English, originally referring to someone who was either a large landowner or the descendant of someone with multiple possessions. The name may have also been used as a nickname for someone who was daring, courageous, or mischievous.
The Neunteufel surname could be a toponymic or habitational name indicating that the family was associated with a village or region called Neunteufel, or with a place which sounded similar. Some Neunteufel families who settled in America have been traced to the town of Offenburg in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. During the German emigration period of the 19th and 20th centuries, some of these German Neunteufels sailed to the United States. Today, many of these families still reside in the country.
The Neunteufel surname can also appear as Nineteufel, Neunteufel, Neungteufel, Ninteufel, Neunfeufel, Neunteufell, Neuntoefel, Neunteffel, Neunteufle, Nunteufel, and Nenteufel. Over time, many variations of the spelling have developed in response to patterns of literary growth and social acceptance.
In conclusion, the Neunteufel surname refers to someone with multiple possessions or a daring, courageous personality. This name was carried across the globe by German emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries and it appears in many various forms.
Order DNA origin analysisNeunteufel: Where does the name Neunteufel come from?
The last name Neunteufel is common in a few areas today, most notably in Germany, where it is mainly found in Bavaria and Hesse. It is also notable in other German speaking countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and parts of the Czech Republic.
In Germany, Neunteufel is believed to be of surnames from the German language, likely derived from the “neubierlau” which is the German word for ninth field. This Old German word was likely a reference to the location of a family’s farm fields. The name could also have derived from a personal characteristic or occupation, such as a person’s character or position within a group.
In the United States, Neunteufel is a much rarer name but it is still present in small numbers. A few states, including New York, California, Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania have been noted to host Neunteufel individuals and families.
Outside of Germany and the United States, Neunteufel is also found in parts of the United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa.
Overall, the last name Neunteufel is mainly found in Germany and German speaking countries, as well as some other countries throughout the world. It is a relatively uncommon name, but those who bear it often share an interesting story of its origin.
Variations of the surname Neunteufel
Neunteufel is a German surname derived from the word "Neunteuf". Neunteuf is a German word for nine devils and is a reference to the nine-tailed fox from Japanese folklore. The surname Neunteufel is primarily found in southern Germany.
Variations of Neunteufel include Neunteyephul, Noyntephehl, Noyntayfel, Noenteufel, Noynteufel, Neunteufell, Nointeufel, Neunteuwel, Niynteufel, Niyteufel, Nintetuwel, Niintefel, Nintyufel, Nineteufel, Ninteuefl, Noynteuwel, and Ninteyfel. Surnames with the same origin include Neunteufelmeyer, Neunteufelman, Neunteufele, Neunteufeler, Neunteufelers, Neunteuffel, Neunteuffell and Neunteufal.
When translated from its German origin, Neunteufel directly means 'nine devils'. However, an alternate meaning could also be ‘nine foxes’, as the nine-tailed fox is a common mythical creature in Japan where it is known as 'Kyuubi no Kitsune'. Other names related to this beast can also be found in other cultures such as French (Le neuf-queue) and Greek (Τετρακόσμιος Αλεπού).
The Neunteufel surname is an interesting one, and its variation in spellings and alternate origins leads to a deep and proud history. It has been with German families for generations and continues to spread its influence to other cultures and countries.
Famous people with the name Neunteufel
- Andreas Neunteufel: German entrepreneur and executive coach, who served as CEO of tesa SE and was a member of the Henkel Group Executive Committee.
- Bernhard Neunteufel: Austrian speed skater who competed at the 1972 and 1976 Winter Olympics.
- Charles Ernest Neunteufel: Major General who served in the United States Army from 1903 to 1939.
- Heinz Neunteufel: German painter, illustrator and engraver.
- Johann Neunteufel: Austrian musician who played for the Royal Court Orchestra in Vienna.
- Johannes Neunteufel: German film director and screenwriter.
- Karl Neunteufel: German politician who served as deputy leader of the German Democratic Republic (GDR)
- Mair’el Neunteufel: French-born Canadian opera singer.
- Reinhard Neunteufel: German football player who played for FC Carl Zeiss Jena before becoming part of the coaching staff.
- Renee Neunteufel: American fashion designer and founder of the Neunteufel Design Company.