Surname Schnorfeil - Meaning and Origin
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Schnorfeil: What does the surname Schnorfeil mean?
The last name Schnorfeil is believed to be of German origin and is thought to have derived from the name Schneorfelt. This name is derived from the words “schn” and “fel”, meaning “small wood”. Thus, Schnorfeil most likely refers to a person or family who originally lived near or lived off of a small wooded area.
The surname had a variety of spellings over the years, including Schnarfiehl, Schnorfil, Schnorfeil, and Schnorffel. Those with the surname may find its spelling in different locations and with various variations, making it somewhat difficult to trace its exact roots.
Today, people with the Schnorfeil surname are scattered around the world. Whether they are members of the same extended family or are simply bearing the same last name, we can only speculate.
What does unite many people with the surname though is a love of nature. Being derived from a very natural origin of living off a small wooded area, it is likely that the surname holds some significance in its love of nature. People with the last name Schnorfeil may often feel connected to the natural world and being surrounded by it can bring them a sense of peace.
Order DNA origin analysisSchnorfeil: Where does the name Schnorfeil come from?
The surname Schnorfeil is currently most commonly found in Germany. It is predominantly centered in the southwestern region, with the highest concentration being in the state of Baden-Württemberg. This area of Germany is known for its many vineyards and rolling hills.
The area with the greatest concentration of Schnorfeils is the city of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Within this city, there are over 350 people with this surname living in its immediate area. Beyond this, there are likely many more Schnorfeils spread throughout the countryside and in other areas in Germany.
The origin of the name is not completely known, although there are many theories. Some believe it is derived from the German word Schwenker, which means someone who sells goods or services at a market. Others believe it is a variant of the surname Schworfeil, which has the meaning of pomafety (a type of apple-tree).
Schnorfeil is not a common name outside of German-speaking countries; however, it is sometimes seen in the United States. This is likely because of immigration patterns where German immigrants settled in America and kept their surnames intact. In the U.S., Schnorfeil is most commonly found in some Midwestern states such as Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois.
Variations of the surname Schnorfeil
Schnorfeil is a German surname which originated in the medieval Rhineland and dates back to the early 13th century. Defined as a habitational name, it derived from numerous places named with the root "schaer", meaning "scared or shy". It is related to the word "schneur" meaning "a gateway or gap”.
Variants intended to sound the same as Schnorfeil are: Schnurfeil, Shnorfeil and Schnerfeil. The spelling Schnorfeile is not acceptable.
Additional spellings and surnames of the same origin include: Schnorff, Schnurff, Schnurfel, Schneorff, Shnorff, Schneurfel and Shneurfel. These surnames come from the same root, showing how they are all related.
Surnames of a similar origin include: Schoeffler, Schneidfuegel, Scherer and Schneider. However, these surnames may also be of another origin and are not necessarily related to Schnorfeil.
Overall, Schnorfeil is a German surname which is related to many other spellings, surnames and variants. All these spellings and surnames are derived from the same root and demonstrate how the name has changed over time.
Famous people with the name Schnorfeil
- Countess Cora Gordon-Lennox, née Schnorfeil: Cora is a hereditary Countess from the German dynasty, Schnorfeil.
- Dr Wilhelm Schnorfeil: a German-Austrian Jewish soldier and civil servant.
- Dr Anne Schnorfeil-Huber: a renowned Austrian physician and Professor at the Medical University of Vienna.
- Carl Schnorfeil: an Austrian sculptor known for his figurative and animal life-size sculptures.
- Gottfried Schnorfeil: an Austrian author and anthroposophist.
- Anton Schnorfeil: an Austrian watercolorist and etcher.
- Johann Baptist Schnorfeil: Austrian ocular surgeon, noted in connection with “Schnorfeil's Syndrome”.
- Johann Viktov Schnorfeil: a renowned Austrian painter and master engraver.
- Olga Freiin Schnorfeil Hopfera: a German-Bohemian sculptor and a member of the Freiin Schnorfeil Hopfera family.
- Carl August Schnorfeil: an Austrian sculptor who received the Order of Franz Joseph I from Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I.
- Wilhelmine von Schnorfeil: a German Countess, member of the von Schnorfeil family.
- Elisabeth Countess Schnorfeil-Harff: a German Princess of the von Schnorfeil-Harff family.
- Eduard Freiherr von Schnorfeil: a renowned Austrian politician and member of the von Schnorfeil family.
- Countess Amalie von Schnorfeil-Brown: a noted Austrian composer, member of the Schnorfeil-Brown family.