Surname Opelt - Meaning and Origin
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Opelt: What does the surname Opelt mean?
The last name Opelt is of German origin and is thought to have derived from a location name in Prussia. It is believed to have referred to those who hailed from Opel, a small town near Breslau, located in modern-day Poland. People with the last name Opelt likely had family members who once lived in the Opel area.
The name was often spelled Oepel, Oppel or Oppelt over the years, with the spelling changing and evolving until the 19th century, when the spelling of Opelt became more and more common.
The Opelt surname was often associated with the Roman Catholic Church, as many people with this name were active members. In fact, some Opelts held positions of religious authority, such as priests.
The last name is also associated with a trade, since there were some Opelts who were laborers or craftsmen, and who had specific skills that they could offer. This industry was often related to metalworking or woodworking.
When its origins are taken into account, the last name Opelt is undeniably steeped in history. It carries a certain significance, referring to a time and place that is no longer the same, but remains a part of the Opelt family’s heritage. The name carries with it the strength and resilience of its original bearers, and is something for which the Opelt family should rightly be proud.
Order DNA origin analysisOpelt: Where does the name Opelt come from?
The last name Opelt is most commonly found around Germany and Austria. The name originated centuries ago in regions where German is spoken and is made up of two elements, 'opal' which is German for a type of gemstone, and 'elt' which is German for 'older'. Opelt is a less common surname but can also be found in some parts of the United States, particularly in areas where German immigrants settled during the 19th and 20th centuries like Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota.
In Germany, the surname is particularly common in the north of the country, around the city of Mönchengladbach. It can also be found in the provinces of Lower Saxony and Thuringia. Across Europe, Opelt is very common and has one of the highest populations in the Netherlands.
Opelt is also locally popular in Austria, particularly in the south and east of the country. Records show the name can be found in the provinces of Styria, Carinthia and Salzburg.
The surname is less common in the United States, where it can be found in states with large German-speaking communities like Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Pennsylvania. It is also common in Canada, particularly in Alberta.
Variations of the surname Opelt
The surname Opelt is a Germanic name that originated from the old German name, Opold. It is believed that the name began as an occupational name, associated with an individual who worked as a steward in charge of overseeing supplies, equipment, or a household. The original spelling of the surname was Oplayd or Opheld, and it has since evolved into its more modern spelling of Opelt.
Variant spellings of the surname Opelt include Oppelt, Opphold, Oplayd, Opold, Oppold, and Oppholdt. Among these, the predominant spelling in Germany is Oppelt, while Opelt is the most used variant in the United States.
Surnames with the same origin as Opelt include Opholdt, Opichl, Opt, Opdenhoff, Oppmayer, Opheldt, Opfermann, Oppert, and Oppelmann.
The name Opelt has spread across the world, as it has been adopted by families of various countries and nationalities. Today, the surname can be found from Europe to Australia and the United States. In particular, many families bearing this surname can be found in the Germanic countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as the United States.
Famous people with the name Opelt
- Dan Opelt: musician from Germany, plays a mix of jazz and funk.
- Ernie Opelt: a jazz guitarist from Australia who has toured with some of the most influential jazz musicians.
- Juergen Opelt: German cyclist who competed in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
- Larry Opelt: American musician, best known for his work as a trombonist, saxophonist, and vocalist.
- Martin Opelt: a Swiss-born composer, who has gained notoriety for his classical chamber-style pieces.
- Rudolf Opelt: Austrian mathematician, specializing in algebraic geometry.
- Seth Opelt: American multi-media artist, working in painting, film, music, and photography.
- Willi Opelt: German sprinter who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Peg Opelt: American artist who is known for her evocative paintings of nature and the human figure.
- Ernst Opelt: German landscape painter who was part of the Danube School.