Surname Ohrlein - Meaning and Origin

Ohrlein: What does the surname Ohrlein mean?

The surname Ohrlein is of German origin. However, the exact meaning of Ohrlein is not clear or well-documented. This could be due to the rarity of the name or localized usage in certain regions of Germany. It is possible that the name has an occupational or geographical origin, as many German surnames do. It's also possible that it comes from a combination of different words that meant something specific in older forms of the German language. However, without specific knowledge or further research, the precise meaning behind the surname Ohrlein remains uncertain.

Ohrlein: Where does the name Ohrlein come from?

The last name Ohrlein is most commonly found in Germany today. The surname originated in western Bavaria in the early 14th century, where it was a habitational name derived from house belonging to or associated with a person called Ortel or Orth. The Ohrlein family spread to other parts of Germany over time and is now present throughout the country.

The name Ohrlein is also prevalent in other European countries like Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The family name can also be found in the United States, located primarily in the Midwest states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois where German immigrants settled in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the United States today, the Ohrlein name is found more frequently in the states with larger German-descended populations. Pennsylvania has the most Ohrleins, followed by Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. There are smaller numbers located in other states such as New York, California, and Florida, and some Ohrleins have even emigrated to Canada and Australia.

Overall, the last name Ohrlein is most common in Germany today, and has spread around Europe and to North America and beyond. This is not surprising considering the popularity of immigration in the past few centuries.

Variations of the surname Ohrlein

The surname Ohrlein has various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Most of these are derived from the Old German word “ohnrlih”, meaning “unique”.

One of the most common variants of Ohrlein is Orlein. This particular variation can also be found spelled as Orrlein, Orllin, Orlien, and Orellin.

Other variants of Ohrlein include Orein, Ohren, Ohrenlih, Ohrenlein, Ohrenlihn, and Ornelin. The spelling of this surname often changed from one generation to the next, making it difficult to track down the exact original spelling.

Surnames of similar origin to Ohrlein include Ohrn or Ohren, Evenhaupt, and Eberenz. Ohrn and Ohren are derived from the Old German “ohnrlih”, while Evenhaupt and Eberenz are more related to the German word “haupt”, which means “head”. The two spellings Evenhaupt and Eberenz are usually found in the southwestern region of Germany.

In addition to these variants, spellings, and surnames, there are many other names that are related to the Ohrlein surname. These include Ohlen, Orlin, Orling, Öhring, Ohrim, Ohrel, Öhrlein, and Ohreners.

No matter which variation or spelling of the Ohrlein name is used, all of these names are derived from the same Old German root and represent the same original ancestry.

Famous people with the name Ohrlein

• Carole Ohrlein: Carole Ohrlein is an artist known for her politically influenced works tackling topics such as gender and race. She is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has exhibited her works across Wisconsin and internationally.
• Gregory Ohrlein: Gregory Ohrlein is an American football coach and former player. He currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Chicago Bears.
• Peter Ohrlein: Peter Ohrlein is a German sprinter who represented his homeland in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
• Adrian Ohrlein: Adrian Ohrlein is a German goalkeeper who has played for various teams in the Bundesliga.
• Nick Ohrlein: Nick Ohrlein is an American animator and storyboard artist best known for his work on The Lego Movie.
• Paul H. Ohrlein: Paul H. Ohrlein is a Professor Emeritus at Kent State University in the departments of Psychology and Family Science, with an emphasis on marriage and family dynamics.
• Richard E. Ohrlein: Richard E. Ohrlein is a former U.S. diplomat who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq from 2008 to 2011.
• Nancy J. Ohrlein: Nancy J. Ohrlein is an American psychologist who specializes in school-based interventions.
• Ronald Ohrlein: Ronald Ohrlein is a former American soldier and Senate candidate.

Other surnames

OhrleÖhrle