Surname Unterstein - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'U'
Unterstein: What does the surname Unterstein mean?
The last name Unterstein is a German topographic surname derived from the medieval word, "unter", which literally translates to "under" or "below". It was used to denote someone who lived at the foot of a hill or hillside. The second element of the surname, "Stein" stands for "stone" and is a common element in German place-names referring to natural features such as rocky outcrops or boulders.
Individuals bearing the Unterstein last name were likely descendants of families who had immigrated from mountainous regions in south-eastern Germany in the late 17th or early 18th centuries. It is possible that these clans were among the first forebears of the original Unterstein immigrants, taking up residence in settlements within the Alps from which they later spread throughout Germany and its surrounding regions.
The surname Unterstein is also found in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and is believed to denote aristocratic origins. This is supported by the many noble titles held by various Unterstein families throughout Europe. It is also likely that many Unterstein families travelled with German immigrants who established themselves in the New World, such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Historical records indicate that members of this family have occupied positions in office within numerous German cities, showing their successful migration throughout Europe.
As indicated by its origin, the surname "Unterstein" literally stands for one who lived "below the stone" and as such it is a popular choice among German families seeking to memorialize their ancestry and roots.
Order DNA origin analysisUnterstein: Where does the name Unterstein come from?
The last name Unterstein is most commonly found in Germany and Austria today. It is derived from the German word "unter," which means "under" and the German word "Stein," which means "stone." Unterstein can be translated to mean "under the stone," likely referring to someone living at the foot of a large stone or hill, or in the shadow of a large structure.
In Germany, the name is most common in Bavaria and in the North Rhine-Westphalia regions. Unterstein is also common in Austria and the present-day Czech Republic, which was historically part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This reflects the strong German-speaking influence in those parts of Europe.
Outside of Central Europe, Unterstein is still found in small numbers in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States. As of the 2020 US Census report, slightly more than 5,000 people in the US are named Unterstein, most of whom are concentrated in California, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Due to its German origins and heritage, the surname Unterstein is a symbol of a proud family history and culture. It serves as an important reminder of the important role that German-speaking peoples have played in the history of Europe and the modern world.
Variations of the surname Unterstein
Unterstein is a German and Jewish surname originating from the Middle German word "unterste," meaning lower or lowermost. The variants of the surname may include Unterstaine, Unterstain, Untersteyne, Untersteyn and Unterstyne. Additional variants can include Untersteen, Unterlaan, Unterlant, Unterwaan, Unterwain and Unterwein.
The variants of Unterstein often involve spelling differences to correct the pronunciation of the original name. Unterstein is usually pronounced with a heavier emphasis on the first syllable, as "UN-ter-STINE." Therefore, a more palatable spelling for this pronunciation could be "UNT`erstein" which was frequently used by Ashkenazic Jews.
The surname Unterstein can be greatfully divided into two separate surnames upon immigration to the United States of America. The non-Jewish variants of the surname Unterstein were slowly Americanized, becoming the names Underwood, Underwoode, Underwooder, Underwoord, Underwerth, Underworth, and Underwood.
The Jewish variants of Unterstein usually remained unchanged, and Unterstein maintain to remain a generally Jewish surname. The most popular form of the surname is Understein and dropped the extra 't', aspecting a final form of Understein. Surnames that trace to Understein today are included, but not limited to Underwood, Unterstine, Unterstein, Unterstain, and Unterdyk.
Famous people with the name Unterstein
- Fred Unterstein, a Swiss film director and screenwriter
- Kalman Unterstein, an Israeli businessman
- Theodor Unterstein, an Austrian Jewish zoologist
- Paul Unterstein, a German professional bike racer
- Alexander Unterstein, a German physician
- Maciej Untersteiner, a Polish film editor
- Julius Untersteiner, a German environmental lawyer
- Eleonora Untersteiner, an Aruban-Swedish television presenter
- Hans Untersteiner, a Swedish politician
- Erwin Untersteiner, a Swedish javelin thrower