Surname von Mitzlaff - Meaning and Origin
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von Mitzlaff: What does the surname von Mitzlaff mean?
The last name von Mitzlaff is thought to be of German origin, likely deriving from the Slavic name “Mitteloff.” The surname is often translated to mean “of the middle estate” or “of the third estate.” This likely refers to a socioeconomic class in medieval Germany as the middle class between the aristocracy and the more lowly peasants.
Many variations of this surname have arisen in different countries; for example, in the United States it is more commonly spelled von Mitzlaff. The spelling can also vary significantly within the same family, likely due to changes in spelling conventions over time.
The von Mitzlaff surname is quite old. There are records dating back as far as the 14th century in some parts of Germany, although in other parts records only date back to the 16th century. The families with this surname may have originated in the former East Prussia, which is now a part of Poland. This individual may have had ancestors who were wealthy landowners with very prominent positions in Germany’s agricultural landscape.
Today, there are numerous families with the surname von Mitzlaff. They can be found in many countries, including the United States, and likely have descendants of both Germany and Prussia, depending on when their ancestors emigrated. In general, those with the surname today remain very proud of its history, and regard the von Mitzlaff name with much respect.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Mitzlaff: Where does the name von Mitzlaff come from?
The last name von Mitzlaff is most commonly found in Germany today. Records suggest that the von Mitzlaff family originally came from East Prussia in the late 16th century and had its origin in the nobility of that region. The family is descended from a 16th-century nobleman, Hans von Mitzlaff, who served as a trusted bailiff for various noblemen of the region.
Members of the von Mitzlaff family are scattered all over Germany. It is most common in the German states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, and Brandenburg. It is also found in many of the larger German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Hanover.
The von Mitzlaff family is well-known in Germany, and many of its members have achieved great things over the decades. For example, in the 18th and 19th centuries, many members of the family served as government and municipal officials in the East Prussian and later German states. Today, there are several famous members of the von Mitzlaff family. This includes professor Dr. Dirk von Mitzlaff, one of the most prolific authors on German land law, and Ulrike von Mitzlaff, a renowned scholar and expert on Eastern European and Russian architecture.
Overall, the von Mitzlaff family is a prominent and important part of Germany's history and culture. Its members have achieved great things in all facets of life, and today, its name is still widely known and respected throughout the country.
Variations of the surname von Mitzlaff
The von Mitzlaff surname is of German origins and is sometimes spelled as von Mitslaff, von Metzlaff, or von Metslaff. Alternative surnames that derive from the same roots include Mittelhof, Mittelhaff, Mittelhauf, and Mittelhaus. Von Mitzlaff family lines have been known to exist in Germany since the 17th century and have spread to other parts of Europe, including Sweden and Poland.
In some cases, the von Mitzlaff name has been altered over the years, as German surnames often do. Passengers sailing to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s may have changed the name to Metzger, Metsker, Metschlaff, Metschlauf, or Metsger when arriving at Ellis Island or other immigration sites. In some cases, the initial "von" may have been dropped in favor of a more Americanized spelling, such as Mitzler, Mitzlauf, or Mitzger.
Variations of the von Mitzloff surname also exist outside of traditional German spelling. In some cases, the name has been translated to other languages, such as Mitzloff in Spanish, Mitelloff in French, or Mićloff in Croatian.
As various branches of the family left Germany and settled in other countries throughout Europe and North America, there is a wide variety of spellings for the von Mitzlaff surname. However, whatever the spelling and wherever in the world they may be found, all families sharing this surname are descended from a single line of original von Mitzlaff families.
Famous people with the name von Mitzlaff
- Caspar August von Mitzlaff (1775: 1852), Prussian general and statesman
- Johann von Mitzlaff (1538: 1606), a German historian
- Karl (Carl) Mitzlaff (1839: 1916), a German botanist
- Wolfgang August von Mitzlaff (1726: 1768), a Prussian general
- Karl Ernst Wilhelm von Mitzlaff (1799: 1862), a Prussian explorer and naturalist
- Ludwig August von Mitzlaff (1731: 1787), a Prussian general
- Hans von Mitzlaff (1899: 1942), a German Luftwaffe pilot
- Friedrich Wilhelm von Mitzlaff (1817: 1883), a Prussian major general
- Adolf von Mitzlaff (1784: 1836), a Prussian botanist, zoologist and geologist
- Tell Gustav Gerhard von Mitzlaff (1812: 1881), a Prussian diplomat