Surname Schoenfuss - Meaning and Origin
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Schoenfuss: What does the surname Schoenfuss mean?
The last name Schoenfuss is of German origin and is derived from two different elements. The first element is the German word "Schoen," which means "beautiful" or "lovely". The second element is "Fuss," which possibly derived from the Middle High German word "vuss" meaning either foot, or from a pet form of the Old High German word "Folcward," meaning "protector of men."
Thus, Schoenfuss may carry a connotation of "lovely protector" and may have begun as a nickname for someone seen as benevolent or attractive. Some sources suggest the name originated as a short form of the name "Schoenifus," with the original meaning being "beautiful foot."
Given its origin, Schoenfuss may describe someone who is protecting something valuable or attractive, such as an ideal, or defending the vulnerable or helpless. It can also refer to someone with a pleasing appearance or with an eye for beauty, like a protector of art or beauty. The name may also suggest someone who is patient, sympathetic, or performs their duties with grace and poise.
Ultimately, the meaning of the last name Schoenfuss may depend upon the individual carrying it. It is still possible, however, to gain insight into its possible origins and connotations.
Order DNA origin analysisSchoenfuss: Where does the name Schoenfuss come from?
The last name Schoenfuss is a German name derived from the word meaning “beautiful blossom” or “lovely branch”. It has been found in records as far back as the 1600s, in what is present-day Germany.
Today, the name Schoenfuss is largely spread throughout the United States. According to AncestryDNA, around 10,000 people in America share this surname. It is especially concentrated in states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and New York. These states have a strong German heritage, and many of them have large German immigrant populations from the 19th century.
Outside of the US, the last name Schoenfuss is commonly found in Germany, where it is considered a variant of the more popular surname Schönfuß. It is also fairly widespread in the Swiss and Austrian regions, and is even found in Italy, France and other parts of Europe.
Smaller numbers of Schoenfuss families have been found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Particularly in Canada, the surname is common in the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, where many German immigrants settled in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Overall, the surname Schoenfuss is still fairly common today, although its popularity has declined over the centuries. Its prevalence is largely concentrated among German-American descendants in the United States, as well as in parts of Europe and other areas of the world with strong German roots.
Variations of the surname Schoenfuss
The surname Schoenfuss is a German surname derived from the words “Schön” and “Fuss” which translate to “handsome foot.” It is believed to refer to someone’s physical appearance. It is also believed to be an occupational name which refers to someone who makes or sells shoes.
Variants of the name Schoenfuss include Schoenfuhs, Schönfuss, Schonfuses, Schonfusse and Schonfuß. Another variation of the name is Schooenfuys, which is found more commonly in the Netherlands.
In the United States, the surnames Shoenfuss and Schoenfuss are seen more commonly than the other variations. It is also not uncommon to see the surnames altered to either Shoenfuess or Schoenfuess.
In addition, many immigrants immigrating to the United States changed or Anglicized their surname from Schoenfuss to either Shoenfus, Schonfuss, Shonfus, Schonfusse or Schonfus.
Due to the various spellings, it is not uncommon to also find variant spellings for the surname Schoenfuss, including Schonfuse, Schonfusser, Schonfusz, Schonfussi, Shoenfues, Shoenfuse, Shoenfusser, Shoenfusz, Shoenfussi and Schonfeil.
The Schoenfuss family is believed to have originated in Bavaria, Germany, and can now be found in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Schoenfuss
- Joseph Schoenfuss: German-born American actor best known for his role as Gene Hunt in the highly-acclaimed TV series Queer as Folk.
- Leah Schoenfuss: Actress, model and singer who has appeared in numerous TV shows, films and Broadway productions such as Rent and Grease.
- Alex Schoenfuss: Former professional soccer player who made over 100 appearances as a midfielder for 2. Bundesliga club FC Erzgebirge Aue.
- Eric Schoenfuss: Emmy-nominated cinematographer who has worked on shows such as Shark Tank, American Idol and America's Got Talent.
- Max Schoenfuss: German actor best known for his appearances in Der Tatortreiniger and Apokalypse Wann?
- Jason Schoenfuss: Professional hovercraft racer who won the Open Class of the US National Hovercraft Championships in 2012.
- Suzie Schoenfuss: Highly respected makeup artist who has designed for some of the biggest names in entertainment such as Justin Timberlake and Rihanna.
- Carl Schoenfuss: Noted music producer who worked with artists such as Air Supply and Pat Benatar.
- Will Schoenfuss: Award-winning writer, director and producer who has worked on a variety of independent films such as Attachment and Asylum.
- Lisa Schoenfuss: Public figure and conservationist known for her longtime work with the Big Wild nonprofit organization.