Surname Schweinefuss - Meaning and Origin

Schweinefuss: What does the surname Schweinefuss mean?

The last name Schweinefuss is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "swinefuss," which translates literally to "pig’s foot." This name was originally given as an occupational name to a swineherd or pork butcher. Ironically, it is also derived from a nickname among medieval Germans, given to those who were known for being stubborn.

The name Schweinefuss originated as a minor noble family in the Rhineland area of Western Germany, with branches in France and Switzerland as well. Over the centuries, the surname spread throughout Europe and America, carried by German and Swiss immigrants.

The origins of the schweinefuss surname tell us quite a bit about the character of its earliest bearers, and the values to which they held. The dedication and diligence of a swineherd, combined with the stubbornness and determination needed to earn the nickname, hints at a tenacity and strong will that likely served the Schweinfuss family well throughout its descent.

Schweinefuss: Where does the name Schweinefuss come from?

The last name Schweinefuss is not found in large numbers in any particular area of the world today. It is believed to be primarily of German origin, however, the name has a rich history and can be found in various parts of the world.

In the United States, Schweinefuss is primarily a surname of German descent and can be found throughout several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. According to records, several individuals of this surname were among the immigrants who had come to the United States in the 1700s and 1800s from German-speaking regions of Europe. It is also found throughout Europe in various countries, most often in Germany. It is also found throughout Africa in countries such as Ghana, Angola, South Africa, and Nigeria.

The name Schweinefuss, as well as its variants such as Schwanefuss, may be derived from either a nickname for a person likened to a piglet (from the Middle High German word "schwin" meaning "piglet") or a job title, most likely referring to a pig herder. Today, the name may be found in records related to international genealogy, military service, and immigration records.

Variations of the surname Schweinefuss

The surname Schweinefuss is German in origin, derived from the German word "Schwein" which can be translated to mean pig or hog. As such, the surname is often literally translated to mean "pig foot." Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin can vary depending on the language, culture, and region.

Some forms of the name are spelled "Schweinfuß," "Schwienfuss," or "Schweifuss."

The surname can also be found in many surname books as "Schweinfeuer," an especially German surname, but also found in Austria and the Czech Republic. This includes the Czech variant "Schweinfeuerova," a patronymic form of the name.

In Switzerland, the name is often anglicized to read "Swinefeet," and other variants include "Swinefeet."

Another variant, found in Germany, is Schweinefüßler which translates to be "Pig Footer," and in Yiddish the spelling and designation became "Swinefos."

In Norway, the surname becomes "Svinefot" and in Denmark and Sweden, the name is commonly seen as "Svinesø."

Although not considered a variant of Schweinefuss, there are two other surnames of similar geographic origin with similar significance. Both surnames are commonly found throughout Germany and the Netherlands.

The first of these is "Schweinshaupt," which literally translates to mean "pig head," and the second is "Schweinhofer," which literally translates to mean "pig's giver."

As you can see, the surname Schweinefuss has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of similar origin, depending on the regional dialect. Each of these varies slightly from the original Germanic spelling, providing a specific reference to the pig-headed family of origin. With the influence of immigration, the name has spread throughout Europe and the United States, both as a descriptor and as a celebration of family origin.

Famous people with the name Schweinefuss

• Rebecca Schweinefuss, American actress best known for roles as Judy Kessler on Red Oaks and Kayla on Lucifer.
• Simon Schweinefuss, German soccer player who currently plays for SC Preußen Münster.
• Klaus Schweinefuss, German chemist and molecular biologist who has conducted research in the field of genetic engineering.
• Jan Schweinefuss, German politician who served as the Mayor of Leipzig from 2008 to 2014.
• Henning Schweinefuss, German entrepreneur and investor who is the co-founder of the venture capital firm Point 9 Capital.
• Carl Schweinefuss, German sculptor and artist whose works have been exhibited in museums around the world.
• Natascha Schweinefuss, German singer and songwriter whose music has been featured in movies and on television soundtracks.
• Anne Schweinefuss, Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist who is the founder of the non-profit organization Breathe Life.
• Gertrud Schweinefuss, German historian and academic who has published research on the cultural study of mind and emotion.
• Kurt Schweinefuss, Former world class bodybuilder and powerlifter who won multiple international competitions.

Other surnames

Schweinefleisch