Surname Schönhals - Meaning and Origin
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Schönhals: What does the surname Schönhals mean?
The last name Schönhals is a German-based name originating from Central Europe. It is derived from the German words "schön" meaning lovely, charming or beautiful, and "hals" meaning neck. It could be translated as having a "lovely neck". It could also refer to someone who was physically attractive or admired for their features.
The word for neck is often used to describe a person's character traits too. For example, someone who was said to have a "weak neck" would be seen as having a character flaw, such as cowardice or timidity. Alternatively, someone with a "strong neck" might be seen as having strength or courage.
Schönhals usually came from a noble background, and the name was mainly associated with aristocrats and other high-ranking members of society in Germany. It is also appeared among German Jews who originated from Central Europe.
A modern interpretation of Schönhals could mean someone is attractive and has a strong character. Alternatively, it could simply be indicative of someone who had a more delicate physical feature. Either way, Schönhals is an elegant and noble last name that pays homage to a person's physical features and character traits.
Order DNA origin analysisSchönhals: Where does the name Schönhals come from?
The last name Schönhals is most common in Germany and Austria today. It is a German surname derived from the German word schön, meaning ‘beautiful’, and hals, meaning ‘neck’. Its oldest recorded use dates back to as early as 1733, when the first Schönhals was recorded in Bavaria.
Schönhals is one of the most common surnames in Germany, with over 4,000 people sharing it. It is particularly popular in the federal countries of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Berlin. It is also the 26th most common surname in Austria. The name has spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The Schönhals family is very proud of their last name and have established various branches of the Schönhals family tree throughout the generations. They have shared stories of their successes, dating back as far as the 18th century, when Schönhals soldiers defended castles and borders. The family is also proud of their achievement in the arts, including music, literature and art, and their many successes in professional fields such as medicine and law.
Throughout the centuries, the Schönhals family has grown and the surname continues to be spread throughout the world. While the Schönhals family will always be rooted in their German tradition, the name is alive and well, and is enjoyed among many countries.
Variations of the surname Schönhals
The surname Schönhals is of German origin, and variations on this name typically include Schonhals and Schumannhals. Other variations of the surname Schönhals include Schonholtz, Schoenholz, Schonholz and Schwanderhals, as well as variants based on regional dialects.
In some regions, the surname alterees to 'Schonhalz', and in other regions, such as the Netherlands, it is spelled 'Schonhals' with an 'e'. Other variants include Schonhaus, Schonhoff, Schonhause, Schonhald, Sch Ballerhals, Schonhörst, Schoenhols and Schumannhals.
The surnames Schonhalz and Schonholtz which have a suffix '-holtz' for their spelling variation. This reflects an origin from the mediaeval craft of woodworking, whereby someone trained in the craft of woodworking and cabinet making was typically given the surname 'Schonholtz' or 'Schönerholtz', which translates as 'beautiful woodworking'. The surnames Schwanderhals and Sch Ballerhals both mean 'swan neck', again reflecting a likely origin in the craft of woodworking.
The surname Schönhals is also found as a Jewish surname amongst Ashkenazi Jews. This version of the surname is typically spelled 'Shonholz' with a 'sh' sound, and is derived from an area near Nuremberg, where Jews were known to settle and live.
Famous people with the name Schönhals
- Oliver Schönhals, German contemporary artist and painter
- Robert Schönhals, German music video, television and documentary director
- Lutz Schönhals, former professional football player
- Dirk Schönhals, former German olympic swimmer
- Pierre Schönhals, French basketball player
- Olivier Schönhals, Swiss footballer
- Isidor Schönhals, Austrian classical soprano
- Jutta Schönhals, German actress
- Axel Schönhals, German wrestler
- Heiner Schönhals, German historian
- Philipp Schönhals, German politician
- Helene Schönhals, Swedish singer
- Marie Schönhals, Finnish actress
- Joachim Schönhals, Danish actor
- Alfred Schönhals, German sculptor
- Robert Schönhals, Austrian radio presenter
- Gisela Schönhals, German alpine skier
- Folkert Schönhals, Dutch field hockey player
- Robert Schönhals, Austrian composer
- Joachim Schönhals, German composer