Surname Snepp - Meaning and Origin

Snepp: What does the surname Snepp mean?

The surname Snepp is of Dutch origin. The exact meaning of the name is not definitively known, but it likely originates from a nickname, as many Dutch surnames do. It’s probable that it was derived from the Dutch verb “sneppen” which can mean 'to snap or to snatch'. This might imply that the original bearer of this surname possibly had a quick, sharp, or somewhat abrupt manner or personality. Alternatively, it could also be a topographic surname for someone living near a projection of land or a ridge. As there is no specific recorded meaning, these interpretations are speculative based on linguistic analysis and established trends in surname origins. It is important to consider that surnames have evolved over centuries and sometimes their original meanings can get lost over time. Consequently, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Snepp remain uncertain.

Snepp: Where does the name Snepp come from?

The last name Snepp is primarily found in Germany, specifically in The Rhineland and some parts of Bavaria. The Snepp family name is believed to have originated in these two regions over a thousand years ago.

In modern times, many Snepps can be found in the cities of Cologne, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Mannheim, and Munich. Outside of Germany, there are some Snepps residing in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The population of Snepps in these countries are far fewer than Germany, however.

The majority of Snepps have German roots, with a few being descended from Polish, Russian, or Scandinavian origins. The majority of Snepp families are Christian, with some members practicing Protestantism or Catholicism.

The name Snepp is linked to many famous Germans. This includes sports personalities such as tennis player Boris Becker and football player Dietmar Schnieder, as well as authors and actors like Armin Snepp and Wolfgang Sengpp.

Whether born in Germany or further afield, members of the Snepp family still continue to carry the name with pride.

Variations of the surname Snepp

The surname Snepp comes from the surname Sneppen in Denmark, which is derived from the words "snip" meaning "marsh" or "meadow", and "viA" meaning "byway." The surname is very rare, and as a result, there are not many alternate readings or spellings to be found.

Some variants include Snipp, Snip, Sneppen, Snapp, Snop. There are also rarer spellings such as Snippa, Snope and Snupp.

Surnames of the same origin include Sypp, Syppe, Syppen, Snipping, Snipp-Larson, and Snippenhogn. These surnames all have various meanings, some of which originate from Old Norse and Old English.

One variant of Snepp is Snipp which comes from the Old English word “snyppen” meaning “overgrow” or “overflow”. The word can also mean to “sneeze”, which could have been a nickname for someone with a very pronounced sneeze.

Sypp is another variant which is derived from the Old English word “sypene” meaning “a side-way path” or “a highway through the woods.” It could have been an occupational name for a messenger or carriage driver that travelled these paths.

Snipp-Larson is another variant of Snepp. It is derived from the Old Norse word “snipper” meaning “snail.” It likely originated as a nickname for someone with a slow, sluggish, or sluggish-tempered demeanor.

Snippenhogn is another variant of Snepp and is derived from the Old Norse word “sneppi” meaning “shrewd” or “wise.” It likely began as a nickname for someone who was particularly clever or astute.

Overall, the surname Snepp is extremely rare and has very few variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. It is most commonly found in Denmark, where it originated from, and has been slowly spreading throughout other parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Snepp

• Frank Snepp: an American former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer and intelligence analyst. After he wrote an unauthorized book about the CIA's involvement in the Vietnam War, the US Justice Department sued and ultimately won a case that eventually prevented Snepp from receiving payment for his work.
• Richard Snepp: an American judge and former police officer. In 2021, he was confirmed by the California Senate as a judge in the Los Angeles Office of Administrative Hearings.
• Mark Snepp: an American former Army Ranger and Special Forces Officer. For his service he was decorated with a Purple Heart and Silver Star.
• Mark Snepp: an American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 6 seasons.
• John E. Snepp: an American physician, academic and Rhodes Scholar. He served as Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco from 1981 to 1987 and President of the American Federation for Medical Research from 1987 to 1988.
• Daniel A. Snepp: an American motorsport competitor in truck and buggy racing. He competed in the American Off-Road Racing Series in the 1990s.
• Paul Snepp: an American television and film director, writer, editor, and producer. He is best known for directing the television series Monsters and The X-Files for Fox Broadcasting Company.
• Phil Snepp: an American investor and financial advisor. He serves as the managing partner at the Colorado-based investment firm Snepp Financial LLC.
• Chaz Snepp: an American musician and composer best known as a member of the band M.C. Hammer.
• Tony Snepp: an American baseball pitcher who made three appearances in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds in 1988.

Other surnames

Snep