Surname Schwerthfeger - Meaning and Origin
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Schwerthfeger: What does the surname Schwerthfeger mean?
The surname Schwerthfeger is of German origin and is derived from the High German “schwerdt” meaning “sword” or “blade” combined with “feger” meaning “sweeper”. The name originated as an occupational surname and was given to someone who was a maker or seller of swords or swordsmen. It may also be an occupational name for one who worked in the forging of swords or iron.
The surname Schwerthfeger is associated in particular with the northern and central regions of Germany, suggesting that the family first established itself there. Early records of the name in Germany date back as far as the 16th century, when the Schwerthfegers are thought to have been among the first to settle in their hometown. Later generations of Schwerthfegers spread to the Southern parts of Germany, and then throughout Europe and the United States as Germany's population increased during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The success of the Schwerthfeger family has thus been closely tied to the growth of both Germany and the rest of the world. The Schwerthfeger name is associated with a range of achievements, from being successful merchants and entrepreneurs to working in politics and other public positions. As such, the Schwerthfeger name has come to represent a long line of successful individuals who have helped shape the course of history.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwerthfeger: Where does the name Schwerthfeger come from?
Today, the last name Schwerthfeger is especially common in Germany. The name is a variant of the surname Schwertfeger, and documents surrounding this surname reach as far back as the 13th century in various parts of Germany.
In the twentieth century, many families bearing the last name Schwerthfeger emigrated to other countries including the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and South Africa, especially in the years following World War II. It is estimated that around 200 people in the United States today have the last name Schwerthfeger.
In Germany, the last name Schwerthfeger is found mainly in the states of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Baden-Württemberg, and Niedersachsen. It is also found in Hessen and Berlin, as well as in the city of Weimar in the state of Thüringen.
Many of the people bearing this name in Germany, and in other countries, are likely to be descendants of German emigrants. The name is particularly common in the Ruhr Valley, an area west of the Rhine and north of the Ruhr River which had a history of industry due to its rich coal and steel resources, and many people in this area may also have emigrated to other parts of the world during the industrial era.
Overall, the last name Schwerthfeger is most prominent in Germany, where it has been used throughout the centuries, however it is likely to be found in other countries as well, due to the many emigrations that occurred in the twentieth century.
Variations of the surname Schwerthfeger
The surname Schwerthfeger is an originally German surname. It is believed to have been derived from the literal words Schwerth, meaning heavy and Fegen, meaning sweep. It could thus also be translated to mean an axe or sword sharpener. The variants of Schwerthfeger are Schwertfeger, Schwertheger, Schwerthecker, and Schwertfegen.
The alternate forms of Schwerthfeger are Schwhorfeger, Schwerdtfeger, Schwerdtegefe, Schwarzthofer and Schwerdthefer, as well as Schwetfeger, Schwethfer, Schwethger, Schwettheffer, Schwethhefenf, Schwethhefen, Schwethhofen, Schwidther, Swhortfeger and Swidter.
The surnames Schwertfeger and Schwerdtfeger are derived from the German word Schwert meaning sword, and the Middle High German word veger meaning fence or hedge. Similarly, Schwarzthofer and Schwerdthefer are derived from the Middle High German word schwarz meaning dark, and the Middle High German word hof meaning garden.
The spellings Schw ray tfeger, Schwertheger, Schwerthecker, Schwetfeger and Schwethger are derived from the Old German word Schwert meaning sword and the Middle High German word heger meaning hunter or woodman. Finally, Schwortfeger and Swidter are derived from the Old German word Schwert meaning sword, and the Middle High German word dar meaning severe or harsh.
Overall, the surname Schwerthfeger is interrelated with other surnames which have similar roots and meanings. It is also very diverse in terms of its variants and spellings.
Famous people with the name Schwerthfeger
- Sir William Schwerthfeger: British Academic and Leading Educationist
- Johann Schwerthfeger: German Painter
- Thilo Schwerthfeger: German Football Player
- Albin Schwerthfeger: German Architect
- Horst Schwerthfeger: German Actor
- Wilhelmine Schwerthfeger: German Actress
- Victor Schwerthfeger: German Oboist and Conductor
- Heike Schwerthfeger: German Composer
- Guido Schwerthfeger: German Painter
- Fabian Schwerthfeger: German Football Player
- Hans Schwerthfeger: German Opera Singer
- Elisabeth Schwerthfeger: German Politician
- Markus Schwerthfeger: German Physicist
- Karl Schwerthfeger: German Chemist
- Bernd Schwerthfeger: German Actor
- Werner Schwerthfeger: German Director
- Günther Schwerthfeger: German Radio Producer
- Michael Schwerthfeger: Austrian Writer
- Ralf Schwerthfeger: German Musician
- Katrin Schwerthfeger: German Actress