Surname Sollenberger - Meaning and Origin

Sollenberger: What does the surname Sollenberger mean?

The surname Sollenberger is of German origin. It is an occupational surname, derived from the Middle High German term "sulenære," which translates to "pillar maker." This suggests that the initial bearers of the surname were involved in constructing or carving pillars, most likely for buildings or structures. Since surnames often acted as an identifier, members of local communities would refer to these individuals as "Sollenberger" to denote their occupation. Over time, this descriptor likely evolved into a familial suffix passed down through generations. This occupational origin aligns with the tradition of many European last names which linked a person or family to their trade or line of work.

Sollenberger: Where does the name Sollenberger come from?

The last name Sollenberger is most commonly found in the United States in small numbers. It is primarily associated with Pennsylvania, where the majority of Sollenbergers live. It can also be found in various other states, including Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina.

In Pennsylvania, the highest concentration of Sollenbergers can be found in the south-central region of the state, especially in Adams, Lancaster, York and Cumberland counties. Sollenberger households are scattered throughout the state, with households found in all surrounding states, including West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Delaware.

The Sollenberger family appears to have originated in German, and their arrival in America may have taken place during the late 1700s or early 1800s. During the 19th century, the Sollenberger family became well-established in Pennsylvania, and many members of the family became successful farmers, craftspeople and tradespeople.

The name Sollenberger remains small and relatively rare today. In 2019, approximately 1,300 people in the United States carried the last name, with the majority living in Pennsylvania. Despite its small numbers and limited distribution, the Sollenberger surname continues to be an integral part of the American family tapestry and a reminder of the influences of German immigrants.

Variations of the surname Sollenberger

The surname Sollenberger is an Americanized form of German surname 'Sollenberg', also sometimes spelled Söllenberg. It is derived from the place name Sollenberg in Northern Germany, likely a compound of German elements ("son" meaning “mud” and “berg” meaning “mountain”).

Variants of this surname include Sollenburg, Sollenburger, Söllenburg, Söllenberger, Sönlenburg, Söhlenberg, and Soellenberg.

Anglicized spellings of this name vary, though they are all based on the same root word. Common spellings include Solenberger, Soalenberger, Solenberg, Soalenberg, Soalenburger, Solabarger, Soalinberger, Sahlberg, and Sallenberger.

Common surnames derived from Sollenberger include Solinger, Sollenberge, Sollenbergers, and Solleberger.

Overall, Sollenberger is an uncommonly but widely spread surname across the world. It is found most prominently in the United States, Germany, and parts of Central and South America.

Famous people with the name Sollenberger

• Tim Sollenberger, American professional drag racer
• Bill Sollenberger, American college football coach
• Steve Sollenberger, American ice hockey player
• Kim Sollenberger, American 1999 Miss Universe contestant
• Eric Sollenberger, American fly fishing writer and photographer
• Jake Sollenberger, American writer and creative director
• Stephani Sollenberger, ancestral American family quiltmaker
• Thomas Sollenberger, American psychologist and professor
• Lauren Sollenberger, American model
• Alex Sollenberger, American professional wrestler

Other surnames

Sollenberg