Surname Springwald - Meaning and Origin

Springwald: What does the surname Springwald mean?

The last name Springwald is of German origin and is derived from two words; ‘springen’ and ‘wald’ which translates as ‘leap’ and ‘forest’. It may have originally been an occupational name, perhaps referring to a forest worker involved in acrobatics; jumping and leaping to outwit wild animals or catch game.

Over the centuries, the surname became associated with many regions in Germany and can still be found there today. The different spelling variations of the family name (Springwald, Springwalt, Springwaltz etc.) have both grown and spread from their original German roots.

The Springwald ancestral history includes a number of noted figures such as a founder of the Springwald Plate Company in the 19th century, educator and librarian Charles Springwald who was head of the reference department of the New York Public Library and Laurence Springwald, an American wrestler who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

The Springwald family name continues to be a respected name even today, as bearers of the last name show strong patriotism, initiative and courage. This name has been strongly associated with the core values of loyalty, commitment, dedication and respect throughout the centuries, and is carried on by many generations to this day.

Springwald: Where does the name Springwald come from?

The surname Springwald is a name of German origin. The name is most common in Germany, where it has been recorded since the 16th century, and it is mainly located in the north and northwest of the country. In Germany, Springwald is recorded in the states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein. The highest concentrations of people bearing the Springwald name are found in and around Hamburg, Berlin, and Leipzig.

The name is also recorded in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the United States. In the United States, Springwald can be found primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, with small pockets in Florida, Michigan, Illinois, and other states. In the Netherlands, the name is mainly found in the Province of Limburg and in Switzerland in the canton of Aargau.

Overall, the Springwald name is still relatively common in Germany and in other Central European countries, as well as in Pennsylvania and New York in the United States.

Variations of the surname Springwald

Springwald is a German surname, originating from the Middle German words "springen" and "wald," meaning to jump and forest, respectively. This surname can be spelled in many different ways, depending on the location and era. Today it is commonly found as Springwald, Springwal, Springerwald, and Sprungwald. Less common variants of the name include Sprengwalt, Sprengwald, and Speingwald.

In the United States, Springwald is often spelled as Springwal or Springerwal. This spelling originated in 18th century Prussia, when surnames were frequently written with the "wal" suffix to denote a location or title. To this day, the Springwal spelling is found in many German phone books.

Various spellings may also be translated, with Spurngerwald, Sprugerwald, and Sprengerwald being some of the variations. These surnames are uncommon and usually found in older documents.

German-speaking areas around the world may also have variations of the surname, such as Springwalde, Svengerwald, and Schpreenwald. These spellings tend to be more localized and are less commonly used.

Lastly, there are a number of surnames derived from Springwald, such as Springwalder, Springwälder, Springerwälder, and Sprungwälder. These translate to Springwalders, and are associated with individuals who come from the Springwald line.

Famous people with the name Springwald

• Kay Springwald: A German sculptor of large metal outdoor art.
• Paul Springwald: A German chef and restauranteur.
• Oscar Springwald: A former German amateur football player.
• Robert Springwald: A German painter and printmaker.
• Landolf Springwald: A German architect, author, and professor.
• Randolf Springwald: A German landscape painter and graphic artist.
• Andreas Springwald: A German realist painter.
• Emily Springwald: A former German figure skater.
• Christoph Springwald: A German Olympic fencer.
• Gennadiy Springwald: A German-Russian bodybuilder.
• Michael Springwald: A German ice hockey player.
• Nicholas Springwald: A German-American actor and director.
• Johann Springwald: A German modern pentathlete.
• Leonard Springwald: A German-American inventor and entrepreneur.
• Greta Springwald: A German former javelin thrower.
• Franz-Joseph Springwald: A former mayor of Hummelsbüttel, Germany.
• Wilfried Springwald: A German former alpine skier.
• Diana Springwald: A German actress and singer.
• Andreas Springwald: A German football goalkeeper.
• Nathalie Springwald: A German actress.

Other surnames

Springwaldt