Surname Spanlang - Meaning and Origin
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Spanlang: What does the surname Spanlang mean?
The surname Spanlang is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "span" meaning "board" or "plank" and "lang" meaning "long." The name was adopted by someone who worked in the lumber or carpentry trades.
During the Middle Ages, when hereditary surnames began to be adopted, many people living in Germany adopted this name due to its descriptive nature, indicating the person's profession. Since then, individuals with this surname have settled in a variety of countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the United States, to name a few.
Today, Spanlang is a relatively uncommon surname, yet it can still be found throughout the world. In the United States, those with the surname can be found in most states, although the majority is located in the midwest region.
The surname ultimately reflects the ancestry of the original bearer and the skillset he or she possessed. Spanlang likely indicates someone who had the skills of woodworking and carpentry, and was an indispensable member of a community in the days before modern tools and machines. The name itself is a symbol of our heritage and of those who helped to build the societies we live in today.
Order DNA origin analysisSpanlang: Where does the name Spanlang come from?
The last name Spanlang is mostly found in parts of Germany, especially in the regions of Franconia and Bavaria. It is a German patronymic surname derived from the given name Spangin, which is a dialectal variant of the name Spanninger, meaning "from Spanningen".
Spaningen is a village located to the east of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria, formerly part of Franconia. The village was settled in the 10th century and it is likely that Spanlang first appeared as a last name some time during that century.
Since then, descendants of the Spanlang family living in Franconia and Bavaria have continued to bear this last name. Spanlang families have remained well-established in Franconia and Bavaria and are widely distributed throughout the region.
Outside of Germany, the Spanlang name is generally rare, with some family members emigrating to United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. Today, there is a notable Spanlang presence in places like the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Texas, and the Canadian province of Manitoba.
Overall, the last name Spanlang is most commonly found in the states of Bavaria and Franconia, along with select parts of the U.S. and Canada.
Variations of the surname Spanlang
Spanlang is a common surname found in Germany and Holland. It may also be spelled in different ways, such as Spanglang, Spenglang, or Spönglang.
Most variants of the name are found in Germany and Austria, but it is closely related to the surname Spangenberg, which is commonly found in Holland. This surname is of German origin and is derived from a place name, most likely referring to a settlement named Spangenburg, near Gotha in Thuringia.
Due to cultural exchange between Germany and Holland, some variants of the Spanlang surname are found in both countries. Examples include Spangler and Spingler in Germany, and Spangenberger and Spangels in Holland.
In the United States, the Spanlang surname can be found amongst German and Dutch immigrants. It is typically spelled as Spangler in American records, however other variant spellings may also appear in records.
In addition to Spanlang and its variants, other related surnames include Spangenberg, Spengler, Spangler, and Spangenberger. These surnames may be found in Germany, Holland, Austria, and other German-speaking countries.
Famous people with the name Spanlang
- Johann Spanlang: Spanish actor born in 1954. He is best known for his role as Señor Castañeda in Serrano, a Spanish telenovela.
- August Spanlang: German sculptor who was active in the 19th century and is best known for his bronze statuary.
- Mary R. Spanlang: American academic and administrator who served as an Associate Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education at Texas Tech University.
- Ottavio Spanlang: Italian composer and organist born in the early 19th century. He wrote several pieces for guitar, which were later recorded by his contemporaries.
- Rudolf Spanlang: Croatian professor of economics and political science at the University of Zagreb, active in the 20th century.
- Andreas Spanlang: Austrian renaissance scholar and lawyer, active in 16th century.
- William Spanlang: New Zealand doctor and international poet, active in the late 19th century.
- Hannah Spanlang: British writer, artist and TV presenter, best known for her fantasy novels.
- Eike Spanlang: German philosopher, active in the 17th century.
- Thea Spanlang: Austrian-born painter, active in the 20th century.