Surname Oberheid - Meaning and Origin
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Oberheid: What does the surname Oberheid mean?
Oberheid is a German surname derived from the phrase "ober heid," meaning "upper heath." This phrase is thought to refer to a high land form in Germany, located near a river or water source. The surname likely originated in an area where people raised livestock, hunted, or fished near grassy areas.
Throughout the centuries, those with the last name Oberheid may have held a variety of occupations, such as farmers, butchers, fishmongers, merchants, masons, and brewers. It is also possible that some of them were in leadership roles or controlled nature resources-related activities.
In the early 20th century, World War II caused many Oberheids to migrate to North America and other parts of the world. Today, the surname Oberheid is found among those of German, Dutch, and Belgian descent.
In the present, many Oberheids still live in Germany and other parts of Europe but their legacy has spread to all parts of the world. Those with the last name are proud of their German roots and have traditionally held strong family values and an appreciation for nature.
Order DNA origin analysisOberheid: Where does the name Oberheid come from?
The last name Oberheid is known to be of German origin. It is not a particularly common last name, but it can be found in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and the United States. While it is not a common name in the US, there are a few areas in which it is more prevalent.
In Germany, Oberheid can be found throughout the meandering Rhine river and is most commonly associated with the area of the Westerwald. It is also quite common in the southeastern part of the Netherlands and in Belgium where it is found near the village of Galmaarden. However, the highest concentrations of the name Oberheid can be found in Austria, specifically the states of Styria and Carinthia.
In the US, the name Oberheid can be found mostly in states with large German-speaking populations, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. There are several small towns like Walhalla in Wisconsin, where the name is especially common. It is believed that some of the earliest immigrants with the last name Oberheid who settled in the US came from the Westerwald region of Germany.
Overall, the last name Oberheid is not particularly common today, however, it is important to emphasize the diverse locations in which it is found today, such as Europe, the United States, and even the small towns of Wisconsin.
Variations of the surname Oberheid
The surname Oberheid has various spelling variations, alternative spellings, and related surnames.
Oberheid is the German spelling for this family name. Other common alternative spellings include Oberheide, Oberheyd, Ober Heyde, and OberHeydt.
The variants and variations can be attributed to a language change from Germanic to Romance and the subsequent movement of people between countries to different regions of Europe. Therefore, some of the variants of Oberheid may have developed within particular countries or regions. Other variants, however, have travelled, with families, and been altered over time.
In Germany, surnames could have been derived from the Germanic prename Ahhard, which is characterized by the elements OBER ("high" or "belonging to a nobleman") and HEID ("woodland"). In the Netherlands, the surname Oberheid is derived from the word HEIDE, which means "heather".
In the United States and Canada, some variants for Oberheid include Auperheide and Aberheide; while in Australia, New Zealand and Southern Africa, some recognized spellings are Oberhayd, Oberheide, Oberheyd, Oberheyde, and Oberheydt.
Variations can also be attributed to an adoption of the phrase by others to use as a surname. For example, in English-speaking countries, Oberhod, Oberhed, and Obherheide are acceptable variations.
Lastly, several surnames have evolved from Oberheid. These include Oberhaid, Oberheider, and Berliner.
Famous people with the name Oberheid
- August Oberheid: August Oberheid was a German physicist and former President of the Leibniz Society. He was a leading expert on nuclear physics and a professor at the University of Göttingen.
- Ralph Oberheid: Ralph Oberheid is a former German engineer and CEO of an industrial firm. He is known for his expertise in business management and consulting, and served as an advisor to several firms in the energy sector.
- Johann Oberheid: Johann Oberheid was a German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He was a member of the Bundestag from 1972 to 1990, representing Lower Saxony.
- Gregor Oberheid: Gregor Oberheid is a former German professional footballer who represented Borussia Mönchengladbach and FK Pirmasens. He was an attacking midfielder and was part of the German squad at the 1992 Olympic Games.
- Klaus Oberheid: Klaus Oberheid is a former German professional cyclist. He also competed at the 1984 Olympic Games and twice crowned German National Road Champion. He is also an author and his latest book “The Best of Cycling: Twelve Successful Years in the Saddle” was published in 2005.
- Gisela Oberheid: Gisela Oberheid is a former German swimmer who represented the country at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. She also won two gold medals at the 1983 European Aquatics Championships and holds the German record in the 200 metres freestyle event.
- Karsten Oberheid: Karsten Oberheid is a German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He has served in the Bundestag since 2013, representing North Rhine-Westphalia.