Surname Scharnhorst - Meaning and Origin
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Scharnhorst: What does the surname Scharnhorst mean?
The last name Scharnhorst is a German surname of noble origin and can be traced back to the 12th century. It is composed of two elements that are derived from Old German language. The first element is "scharn", which means "shield" or "protection" and the second element is "horst", which means "woody hill". This combination symbolizes a place of refuge; a place where one can hide in a time of danger.
The Scharnhorst family also has ties to the famous German Field Marshal Gerhard von Scharnhorst. He was a general during the Napoleonic Wars and he was the leading reformers of the Prussian military. He is credited with bringing about the reforms that allowed the Prussian army to become a formidable force.
The Scharnhorst family is known for their loyalty, bravery, and hard work. They are widely respected for the contributions they have made to the military, both historically and today. The Scharnhorsts have also made significant contributions to the fields of engineering, architecture, and business. They value innovation, discipline, and dedication to whatever task they set out to accomplish. As a result, they are often highly successful and have earned a good reputation in their respective fields.
All in all, the last name Scharnhorst is a strong symbol of military service, dedication, and innovation. Their legacy and hard work will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisScharnhorst: Where does the name Scharnhorst come from?
The surname Scharnhorst is most commonly found in Germany, specifically in the northern German states such as Lower Saxony, where it is frequently found throughout rural areas. This name is also found in small numbers in Austria, Netherlands, and other Germanic countries. By far the largest concentrations of Scharnhorst families within Germany can be found in Hamburg, Bielefeld, Rostock, Köln, Dortmund, and Münster.
The popularity of this surname is likely due to the German Field Marshal Gerhard von Scharnhorst (1755-1813) who, as an important Prussian military leader, led the transformation of Prussian military doctrine in the early 19th century. He is credited with developing the concept of a "people's army" led by the enlisted ranks rather than by the aristocracy. The Scharnhorst family still holds the distinct honor of being one of the few Prussian families carrying the same name down to present day.
In recent years, small numbers of Scharnhorst families have emigrated to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. These families have maintained the unique surname, although it is not quite as common today outside of the Northern German states.
Variations of the surname Scharnhorst
The surname Scharnhorst is a German and Dutch surname, derived from the word "schern," meaning "to cut" or "to divide." Variations on the spelling include Scharnorst, Scharnhorst, Scharnhost, Scharnhosten, Scharnhors, Scharnhorsten, and Scharnhouden. Surnames derived from the same origin as Scharnhorst include Scarnhorst, Schernhorst, Czarnhorst, and Tsarnhorst.
In Germany, Scharnhorst is most commonly used in the Lower Saxon and Westphalia regions, while Scarnhorst and Schernhorst are more common in the Rhineland and around the River Rhine. In the Netherlands, Scharnhorst is the most common spelling, while Scarnhorst, Scharnhorst, Scharnhost, and Scharnhouden are the more common derived surnames.
As is typical with Germanic surnames, the meanings and origins of Scharnhorst-derived surnames may be linked to the family or region of the original bearer. For instance, a Scharnhorst family may have originated from a division of a larger family or estate, referencing the word “schern.” Additionally, the spelling variations may also be attributed to the different dialects found in Germany and the Netherlands.
Famous people with the name Scharnhorst
- Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst: General who served as chief of staff to Prussian commander-in-chief Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher during the Napoleonic Wars.
- Evelyn Scharnhorst: Dutch professional footballer who plays as a defender for Eredivisie club Ajax.
- Adolf Ferdinand Scharnhorst: Prussian military officer and statesman who served as a general during the Napoleonic Wars.
- Arnaud Scharnhorst: Belgian specialist in political sociology at the Free University of Brussels.
- Friedrich Wilhelm von Scharnhorst: Prussian general who was highly influential in the reform of the Prussian small unit tactics in 1806.
- Caroline Scharnhorst: German painter, art collector and biographer.
- Georg Ludwig von Scharnhorst: Prussian genereal who served as Chief of the Prussian General Staff from 1801-1805.
- Christine Scharnhorst: German organist, church musician, choirmaster and conductor.
- Theodor von Scharnhorst: Viennese architect, archeologist, ceramicist and industrial designer.
- Holger Scharnhorst: German physicist who works on extended simulations of physical and chemical systems.