Surname Niederjohann - Meaning and Origin
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Niederjohann: What does the surname Niederjohann mean?
The last name Niederjohann is a Germanic surname derived from the Middle High German "nieder" meaning "lower", and "johann" meaning "God is gracious". It is thought to have originally been a locational surname, derived from a place such as Niederjohannenrod or Niederjohnersdorf. The people who settled in these areas were likely members of the lower classes, hence the use of “nieder” in the name.
In many instances, the name Niederjohann evolved into other similar surnames, such as Nijerjohann, Niderjohann, and Niederjohn. These names are still common in Germany today, and are often found in areas bordering the Netherlands, Denmark, and Austria.
The surname is also prevalent in many areas of the United States; in fact, it was America's 94th most common surname in 2013. Most of its bearers likely descended from German immigrants who settled in the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the name Niederjohann carries the same connotations of lower-class status and modest origins as the place-names from which it derived. This is, however, balanced by the soothing religious connotations of "God is gracious," which offers hope and comfort.
Order DNA origin analysisNiederjohann: Where does the name Niederjohann come from?
Today, the last name Niederjohann is most common in the German-speaking part of Europe. Historically, Niederjohann is most likely a toponymic surname, indicating that the family is originally from a town or village called Niederjohann. The surname is primarily concentrated in Germany, especially in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also present in neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland.
The earliest known record of the surname appears in the “Plattdeutsche Familienbüche” of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in 1606, which indicates that the family was quite established by that time. Notable bearers of the surname today include German journalist and television presenter Claudia Niederjohann.
Overall, the last name Niederjohann is still quite common in the German-speaking part of Europe. However, as more and more people settle in new countries, it is likely to become increasingly common in other parts of the world as well.
Variations of the surname Niederjohann
The surname Niederjohann is of German origin, derived from the aggregation of two elements: nieder meaning “lower” and johann, a shortened version of Johan or Johannes, the German spelling of the given name “John.” The surname is considered to be quite uncommon and can be found in parts of Northern European countries, especially in Germany. Derived variants of the name include Niederjohanns, Niederjohn, Niederjohans, Niederjones, Nidernjohann and Niederjohnn.
Spelled differently, the name can also take on variations such as Niederjohnson, Niederjans, Neiderjohn and Niederjohnsen. The surname can also go by many alternate surnames that feature the same root: Niederjohnsdotter, Niederjohnstel, Niedegjohn, Niederjohan and Neidhernjohn. In addition, the name can also appear in other languages, including the Dutch spelling Nederjohn, or Nederjohann, as well as the French spelling Nidorjohann.
In some cases, the name is also found to have evolved with time. Wider surnames related to Niederjohann include Dirnberger, Niederberger, Niederer and Niedersberger. All of these surnames can be traced back to the same root. However, the name has also been associated with a number of other variations, particularly in the English language. Common English variants include Netherjohn, Netherjohann, Netterjohn, Nieterjohn and Nehrenjohn.
Famous people with the name Niederjohann
- Alexander Niederjohann: a German classical violinist and composer
- Sylvia Niederjohann: a German middle distance runner
- Mia Niederjohann: a German football midfielder
- Maurice Niederjohann: a German writer and publisher
- Lois Niederjohann: an American record-breaking synchronized swimmer
- Tjark Niederjohann: a German weightlifter
- Addie Niederjohann: an American track athlete
- Britta Niederjohann: a German figure skating champion
- Benno Niederjohann: a German architect 10.Anna Niederjohann: a German speaker, lecturer and coach