Surname Ohlenschläger - Meaning and Origin
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Ohlenschläger: What does the surname Ohlenschläger mean?
The last name Ohlenschläger is an old German surname derived from the Middle High German words “ohl” and “schlager”. Originally it was used to refer to someone who was an mercenary soldier, specifically one who acted as a sapper or engineer to construct or breach defensive works. The combination of words literally translates to “boring slaughterer”, no doubt a reflection of the bloody nature of conflict in use of the day.
Over time, the use of the name evolved to come to represent a guard or sentry for a location or leader, due to the use of shovels as a common tool to make barriers and dig trenches.
Today the surname is often found in southern Germany, parts of Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking countries, halving and quartering to form numerous other spellings such as “Ohlenlord,” “Ohlenläder,” and “Olenlord.”
The modern history of the Ohlenschläger family is alive and well. In Manfred Ohlenschläger's 2012 book, “Family Genealogy Oelenlodder and related branches,” he traces the family back to the 18th century, painting a vivid picture of its remarkable journey.
In essence, the last name Ohlenschläger has come to represent the idea of strength and security, embodying the steadfast protectors of society’s safety. Embarking on their journey as fighters, they have grown to become sentinels and guardians of generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisOhlenschläger: Where does the name Ohlenschläger come from?
The last name Ohlenschläger is derived from the German last name "Ohlenschlager", which is a variation of the Germanic name "Oleschlager" or "Olenschlager". The name likely originated from an East Frisian word meaning "rock-thrower", which is apt, considering the origin of the family was in the East Frisian town of Osterholz in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Today, this surname is still found in Germany, as well as countries where German immigration has been extensive, such as the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe (especially Switzerland). In the United States, Ohlenschläger can be found in the states of Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. As for Canada, the Ohlenschläger name is mainly found in Ontario, followed by Alberta and British Columbia.
In Germany, this surname remains highly concentrated around the area of its origin, namely Lower Saxony in the north west. Ohlenschläger is also encountered in Saxony-Anhalt, Bavaria, Straesburg, and Hesse.
In Germany, the Ohlenschläger surname is estimated to be quite rare, making up about 0.001% of the population. However, in the United States, the surname is more common, with an estimate of 0.08%.
Variations of the surname Ohlenschläger
The surname Ohlenschläger is derived from an old German word meaning “owl catcher” or “owl catcher”. This surname was likely given to someone who hunted owls for food, feathers, or some other purpose.
Variants of the Ohlenschläger surname include Ohlenschlager, Ohlenschlegel, and Ohlenschleger. Other regional spellings are also common, such as Ohlenschleagel in Germany, Olenschläger in the Netherlands, and Ohlnschlegel in Austria.
There are numerous variations of the spelling based on the country or region in which the surname originated. Some of the most common variations include: AHlenschlager, Allenschlager, Allenschlage, Allenschlag, Olenschlager, Olenschlage, Olenschlegel, Olenschleger, and Ohlenschleagel.
In the United States, the surname has been anglicized and the most common surname spellings are Olenschlager, Olenschlegel, and Olenschleger.
The surname is also found in other countries, such as Canada and Scotland. The variations of the name Ohlenschläger in other countries are Ahlenschlager, Ahlenschlage, Allenschlager, and Allenschlegel.
In addition, the surname has also been assimilated into various surnames. Surnames derived from Ohlenschläger include Holscher, Olleschlager, Olenschlegel, Ollschlager, Olschlager, and Ohlschlegel.
The Ohlenschläger surname is not widely found today, making it a relatively rare surname. However, variants of this surname can still be found in countries all over the world.
Famous people with the name Ohlenschläger
- Olof Frederick Ohlenschläger: Swedish synchronized swimmer
- Carl Otto Ohlenschläger: Danish astronomer
- Adam Christopher Ohlenschläger: Danish Actor
- Anders Ohlenschläger: Danish transdisciplinary artist
- Erland Ohlenschläger: Danish explorer
- Søren Ohlenschläger: Danish football player
- August Olof Ohlenschläger: Swedish physician
- Jens Ohlenschläger: Danish jockey
- Thomas Ohlenschläger: Danish entrepreneur
- Nils Ohlenschläger: Swedish painter