Surname von der Linde - Meaning and Origin
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von der Linde: What does the surname von der Linde mean?
The last name von der Linde is a German surname that translates to “from the linden tree.” The term “von” is a German particle that is used to denote nobility and it is common for German families with noble roots to have the particle in front of their surnames. This particular name may indicate that the family can be traced back to a place where linden trees grew, such as in a village or on an estate.
Linden trees are a type of deciduous tree that is common in Europe and are usually found near riverbanks and hilltops. The name is derived from the Old English word “linn,” which means “lake or pool.” These trees often provide shade for humans and animals alike and their foliage is often harvested for its medicinal properties.
The name von der Linde also carries a long history of Germanic symbolism. The linden tree is viewed as an allusion to rebirth and reawakening, possibly due to its curved leaves that open in the spring. The tree has strong associations with longevity and strength, as it is a hardy species that can live for centuries. Linden wood is used to craft the crosses of German graveyards, which signify the passing of one life into the next.
In short, those with the surname von der Linde can derive much symbolism from their name. It is a reminder of their noble roots and a tribute to the strength, beauty, and symbols of rebirth that the linden tree provides.
Order DNA origin analysisvon der Linde: Where does the name von der Linde come from?
The last name von der Linde is most commonly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. It is also found among the German diaspora — primarily in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
The exact origins of the name are somewhat unclear, but its meaning — roughly translated to "from the lime tree" — likely points to a connection with the presence of lime trees in certain areas of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other regions with German connections. The lime tree, or Linden tree, is known for its long life and strong wood, and has a long history of cultural symbolism which makes it a popular motif in European coat of arms.
Several prominent von der Linde families can be found throughout the centuries, mainly in the form of German noble and noble-like families, though not as a noble family name per se. This includes the families who are related to the late German entrepreneur Johann Roger von der Linde, the von der Linde family who moved from Switzerland to the United States in the 19th century, and the von der Linde family who founded the current Volkswagen AG, among others.
To this day, many von der Lindes still reside in the countries of their origin, and there are hundreds of bearers of the name in the diaspora. Within Germany, it is most commonly found in the former Prussian provinces of East and West Prussia, which are now divided between Poland and Russia.
Variations of the surname von der Linde
The surname von der Linde is a German surname, meaning “from the linden tree”. It is derived from the German word for linden tree, which is ‘linde’.
Variants, spellings, and other surnames that are of the same origin include von der Lynde, von DerLynde, Linde, Lynde, Lynda, DeLynde, de Lynde, de Lynda, Lynd, Lyndal, Lyndale, Lindel, Lindell, Lindal, Lindale, and Lindla. It is also possible for people to have hyphenated double surnames like von-der-Linde or von der-Lynd.
The surname is especially common in Germany and other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. It is mainly found among the Dutch, Frisian, and German ancestry groups.
In Scandinavia, variants of the surname von der Linde can also be found in the form Endersson, which is a popular patronymic Norwegian and Swedish surname. Other surnames of the same origin in Scandinavia are Lindberg and Lindström.
The name is popular in the US, as many Germans emigrated to the states in the 1800s. It is found among Americans of German and Dutch ancestry, as well as those of Scandinavian backgrounds. People who chose to anglicize their name upon their arrival to the US may have adopted variations of the surname such as Lindamood, Lyndemann, and Lyndemood.
No matter the spelling, all of the variants and other surnames of von der Linde originate from the same German word, linde.
Famous people with the name von der Linde
- Christiane von der Linde: German actress.
- Paul Henning von der Linde: German lawyer and former President of the DFB and FIFA.
- Johannes von der Linde: German author and playwright.
- Hanns von der Linde: German-Polish jurist and historian.
- Didi von der Linde: German cyclist and racing driver.
- Ludwig von der Linde: German scientist and engineer, best known for his research on gas engines.
- Emil von der Linde: German admiral from the 19th century who served during the Crimean War.
- Karl Heinrich von der Linde: German politician and member of the Liberal Party.
- Friedrich Wilhelm von der Linde: German officer and recipient of the Iron Cross.
- Kurt von der Linde: German economist and former President of the German Federal Bank.