Surname von Arnhold - Meaning and Origin
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von Arnhold: What does the surname von Arnhold mean?
The last name von Arnhold is of German origin. It is a variant spelling of the surname Van Arnholt. The earliest known variants of the name date back to the 13th century. The name is derived from the German word ‘arnhold’ meaning either ‘eagle’ or ‘noble’. This suggests that the earliest bearers of the name may have either been eagle hunters or part of the nobility.
The name itself is a combination of two words; von, a particle usually indicating noble birth in Germanic surnames, and Arnhold, the root of the name. The pair of words together help to indicate that whatever the origin of the surname, it was of some social standing.
The von Arnholds have had a lengthy history in Germany dating back to the 12th century. Notable members of the von Arnhold family have included Prussian war hero General Christam von Arnhold, famous Prussian soldier Joachim von Arnhold, and the founder of Arnhold and S. Bleichröeder Bank, Henry John Arnhold.
Today, the von Arnholds remain an important family in Germany, maintaining their social standing. In Germany, the house of von Arnhold is still in possession of important historical documents and records, allowing researchers to explore and understand their familial past.
Overall, the last name von Arnhold suggests a long history of nobility and social standing within German society up to the present day.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Arnhold: Where does the name von Arnhold come from?
The last name von Arnhold is quite common in areas of Germany and Austria, specifically around the Rhine-Ruhr region bordering the Netherlands. It is also quite common in certain areas of Eastern Europe, including Belarus, Lithuania, and Poland.
The von Arnhold surname has been around since the early middle ages, possibly since the 8th century. It has been traced back to a noble family from the ancestral home of Arnhold in Belgern, a small village near Bitterfeld in what was then East Germany. The name “Arnhold” may even be derived from the Latin “Arnaldus”, which translates to “eagle”.
The von Arnhold family had several branches, who had spread out geographically by the 16th century. Many of the branches have become extinct by now, but others have survived and the name continues to live on.
The modern branches of the von Arnhold family are typically found in the form of businessmen, merchants, and entrepreneurs. They often become leaders in their respective industries, such as financial dealings, manufacturing, and engineering. The von Arnholds have also had a strong presence in places such as academia, the arts, sciences, the clergy, and the military.
Overall, the von Arnhold name is still quite common in certain areas of Europe and beyond. It is living proof of a long and illustrious family history, one that has been able to withstand the test of time and stand out as a beacon of strength and integrity.
Variations of the surname von Arnhold
The surname von Arnhold is derived from the Germanic language and is often spelled Arnholdt, Arnhold, Arnhald, Arnholt and Arnhausen. It can also appear as its Dutch variant, Van Arnhold. In some cases, the surname has been Anglicized to Arnold, while in others it may appear as Arnhalt, Arnhalm, Arnhultz, Arnhelt, Arnheide, Arnholte, Arnhaltz, Arnfeldt, Arnfeld, or Arnfels.
Von Arnhold was first found in Bavaria, a state in south eastern Germany. The von Arnhold family was one of the oldest and most distinguished families in Bavaria. Originally, the name was associated with the title of a ruling noble of the Holy Roman Empire, and only those of high standing had the right to take on the Von Arnhold name. It was derived from an old Germanic given name Arnwald, which is composed of the elements arn meaning eagle and wald meaning rule. Over time it developed through a variety of dialects and spellings until the modern version was established.
Even today, the surname von Arnhold is found throughout Europe, especially in Germany. It can also be found around the world, in countries like the United States, Canada, and South Africa.
Famous people with the name von Arnhold
- Friedrich Arnold von Arnhold: was a German-Jewish banker, entrepreneur, investor, and collector. He is most noted for founding F.A. Arnold & Co., a banking firm in Berlin.
- Gustav von Arnhold: was a German industrialist, philanthropist, and anti-Nazi activist. He was a major contributor to philanthropic organizations devoted to civil rights, sanctuary for victims of Nazi persecution, and social reform in Germany.
- August von Arnhold: was a German army officer. He was an active participant in the First World War and a critic of Nazi plans during Second World War.
- Mabel von Arnhold: was a German aristocrat and entrepreneur who founded DCA, a skincare company. She is credited with launching the first skincare product, sunscreen, and pioneered the popularity of the sunscreen worldwide.
- Bertha von Arnhold: was a German philanthropist who donated large sums of her wealth to institutions in Berlin during the 19th century. Her gifts included a bequest to a hospital and contributions to the University of Berlin and its library.
- Johannes Ludwig von Arnhold: was a German jurist and economist. He is noted for publishing several books on economics and finance.
- Robert von Arnhold: was a German chemist during the 19th century. He is noted for discovering the specialization of silver nitrate in photography.
- Paul von Arnhold: was the founder of Karlsbad, a town in Bohemia. He was a lawyer, entrepreneur, and a social activist.
- Michael von Arnhold: was a German businessman who founded a distillery in 1870, which was later sold to Pernod-Ricard in the 1980s.