Surname Schoenleben - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Schoenleben: What does the surname Schoenleben mean?
The last name Schoenleben is a German-language occupational surname deriving from the word “Schöneleben,” meaning “lovely life.” It was likely adopted by those associated with trades involving leather, such as tanneries, harness and shoe-makers, bookbinders, and saddle makers.
This surname is fairly uncommon, and can be adapted into variations of spellings, such as Schoneleben, Schenleben, and Schoenleiber. It is still found mainly in regions of Germany, such as Saxony, Berlin, and Brandenburg, as well as some parts of Switzerland and Austria.
Interestingly, there is also a Schoenleben Castle in Germany located in the northeast of Berlin. This was once owned by a wealthy family associated with the same name and passed through generation after generation until the 1940’s.
The history of the Schoenleben name is still a bit of a mystery, and no one is completely certain of where and when exactly it was first adopted as a surname. However, the name has a long-standing history in Germany, and remains in some form into present day.
Order DNA origin analysisSchoenleben: Where does the name Schoenleben come from?
The last name Schoenleben is commonly found throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland today. This is likely due to the fact that the name originates from a region in Northern Germany, known as the Rhineland-Palatinate. It is believed that the name Schoenleben can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The name itself was derived from two German words; "Schoen" meaning beautiful and "Leben" meaning life. Based on this, it is speculated that the name is of religious origin, most likely as a reference to the New Testament.
In Germany, the Schoenleben name is most commonly found in the south-western area of the country, including the cities of Heilbronn, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe. The name is also found in the entire state of Bavaria, as well as in the wider German diaspora, including countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of South America.
Worldwide, there are around 17,000 people bearing the Schoenleben name. Although it is not one of the most common last names in Germany today, it is one of the oldest. Indeed, many members of the Schoenleben family have held prominent positions in government, business, and the military.
Variations of the surname Schoenleben
The surname Schoenleben is of German origin, and can trace its roots back to the Middle Ages. The different variants, spellings, and surnames for this name may include: Schonleben, Schonleber, Schonlebner, Schonlebniger, Schoenleber, Schoenlebenstein, Schonlebler, Schonlebl, Schonlesben, Schonlosben, Schonlosber, Schonlosberger, Schonlosberer, Schonurben, Schönberger, Schönbergerin and Schönebeyfisch.
Alternative spellings include Schoenlebner, Schonleb, Schonlebniger, Schoenlebenstein, Schonlebler, Schonlesben, Schonloosben, Schonloosberger, Schonorosberger, Schonurben, Schönberger, Schoenbergerin, and Schönebeyfisch.
The name Schoenleben is derived from the German language, and was originally an occupational surname in a modified form, describing a person who was a 'good person'. The name is made up of two elements: schoen, meaning 'good', and leben, meaning 'person'.
The name has been changed over time, and different versions may occur in different parts of the world. For example, in the United States it is sometimes spelled Schoenlebener while in Germany it is spelled Schonlebner.
The great diversity of surnames associated with the Schoenleben name is a testament to the extent to which this name has been spread and modified throughout Europe and the world over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Schoenleben
- Jakob Schoenleben: a German chess grandmaster and chess author.
- Barbara Schoenleben: an American professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour and the Legends Tour.
- Inge Schoenleben: a German parasport athlete who competes mainly in classification P10 swimming events.
- Janet Schoenleben: an American skier who competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics in Alpine skiing.
- Alexander Schoenleben: a German author and former editor-in-chief of the German daily newspaper Die Tageszeitung.
- Thomas Schoenleben: an American former soccer defender who played in the Major Indoor Soccer League and the USISL.
- Richard Schoenleben: a German-Australian doctor and politician who was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council in 2006.
- Gustav Schoenleben: a German chess master in the mid-19th century.
- Richard Schoenleben, Jr.: a German-Australian businessman and philanthropist who has served on the boards of various organizations in Australia.
- Christina Schoenleben: a German graphic designer and illustrator who has been recognized by the World Illustration Awards and featured in Creative Review.