Surname Sohlbach - Meaning and Origin
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Sohlbach: What does the surname Sohlbach mean?
The last name Sohlbach is derived from several different German words. In Middle High German, "Sohle" meant "sole" or "bottom" of the foot, while in Old High German, "bach" meant "stream" or "small river". The combination of these two words can be read to mean someone who lives near a stream.
The name can also be interpreted as meaning someone who is located at the bottom of a stream, indicating a person who lived by a river or stream. Other connotations of the ancestral name suggest a connection to a mill, as a “bach” is often used to power a mill wheel.
The Sohlbach last name is often found in the region of Northern Germany, particularly the Rhineland Palatinate. It is likely that the family name originated in this area, as many surnames in the area often suggest a geographical origin.
It is possible that the Sohlbach family was originally farmers who relied on the land near a stream or small river for their survival. This could explain why the last name ultimately refers to a person in relation to a river.
The name Sohlbach is representative of a family history steeped in the land and its resources. In many ways, it can be seen as an example of how significant rivers and streams have been in German history, culture, and even in family based organizations.
Order DNA origin analysisSohlbach: Where does the name Sohlbach come from?
The last name Sohlbach is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2019 there were a total of 214 individuals with the surname Sohlbach. The highest number of people with the surname are located in Pennsylvania, specifically in Berks County with 49 people. Other states in the US with at least ten people with the last name Sohlbach include New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and New York.
Outside of the US, the surname Sohlbach also has a presence in Denmark, Australia, and Canada. The largest number of individuals who share this surname are located in Denmark, with a total of 108 people with the last name, according to the Danish Census.
Aside from the five countries mentioned above, the Sohlbach surname is also found in the Czech Republic, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Italy, and Switzerland.
In all, it is estimated that over 1,000 people across the world share the last name Sohlbach. The majority of people with this surname are found in the US, and the states with the largest number of individuals are Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
Variations of the surname Sohlbach
Sohlbach is a surname of German origin. Commonly, the surname is spelt 'Sohlbach'. There are, however, other variants and spellings of this surname. Variants can include Sohlback, Solbach, Solback, Soleback and Sellbach. The only variable in these spellings is the presence of an 'E' or 'O'.
The Solbach variant leads to several other surnames, deriving from the same origin. These can include Solback, Sollback, Soulback and Sulzbach. (Other variant spellings can include Sellback and Sellbach).
The 'Bach' portion of the surname is derived from the German word for 'stream' or 'brook', giving an indication of the geographical origin of the surname. Sohlbach is therefore generally seen as a location-based surname, from the areas of Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia.
The meaning of the 'Sohl' portion of the name is unknown, but it is possible that the name was taken from a geographical designation. Records from 1364 list the Tax Collectors of a settlement having the same name, located within the Ulm region of South-West Germany.
It can never be certain that the different spellings of Sohlbach are all rooted in the same German origin. However, it is likely that contemporary Bachel's are descended from the Tax Collectors of 1364.
Famous people with the name Sohlbach
- Pam Sohlbach: Canadian screenwriter and television director with work on shows such as The Odd Squad and The Next Step.
- Hedda Sohlbach: German-born American photographer who was active from the 1940s until the late 1970s.
- Patrick Sohlbach: American professional basketball player who played in the NBA and CBA from 1983 to 1995.
- Captain Sohlbach: Swedish naval officer who was one of the founders of the Swedish Navy and commanded the first Swedish naval squadron in 1737.
- Pavel Sohlbach: Czech composer and pianist best known for his compositions for brass bands.
- August Sohlbach: German medical doctor who served as a major in the Prussian Army during World War I.
- Christopher Sohlbach: Canadian rock musician known for his work in the bands Mother Mother and Dead Glory.
- Gregor Sohlbach: German historian and author who wrote extensively on the history of Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Jan Sohlbach: German actor and comedian who has appeared in numerous television shows and films.
- Marc Sohlbach: American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for his solo debut album, Still Life.