Surname von Schönfels - Meaning and Origin
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von Schönfels: What does the surname von Schönfels mean?
The last name von Schönfels originates from Germany. It is a German noble family name and translates to “of beautiful cliff” in English. This surname is thought to have started in the early 1300s in Bavaria when the family was given a Barony near the town of Schönfels. The von Schönfels prospered in the area and could trace its lineage down for several centuries.
The family name has two parts, the “von” and the “Schönfels”. The “von” is the German word for “from”, while “Schönfels” is the name of a spot in the Bavarian Alps. Thus, the surname means “from Schönfels”. People with this last name can trace their familial roots back to this area and to this noble family.
Today the von Schönfels family can be found all over Germany and in other countries. There are many notable people who carry the name, including Hans von Schönfels, a famous German author and playwright who wrote the play “Aschenputtel” in 1572. In the US, Sarah-Diane von Schönfels is a contemporary American artist who specializes in photography and collage.
The last name von Schönfels is a reminder of a rich and proud history. It is a small part of a great family legacy of excellence, honor, and artistry. Whether in Germany or abroad, those with this name can be proud of their connection to the past.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Schönfels: Where does the name von Schönfels come from?
The von Schönfels family is a noble German lineage originating in Silesia, a historical region located in what is now Poland. Today, the last name is most commonly found in Germany and surrounding countries such as Austria, Poland, France, and Switzerland.
The von Schönfels family has a long and illustrious history in Europe. References to the family can be found as far back as the 11th century in several old documents. The name was eventually adopted as a noble title in the 16th century, and by the 17th century, the von Schönfels family had become powerful landowners throughout Silesia.
In modern times, the von Schönfels name is carried on by many prominent families living in Germany, Austria, and other European countries. Despite their large presence abroad, the von Schönfels trace their roots back to the region of Silesia and have established themselves as active members of the local community. Many of their descendants still own and operate businesses and properties located in the area.
Today, the last name von Schönfels is a popular choice among German families looking to honor their heritage. It’s also a common sight among prominent figures, such as politicians, celebrities, and academics. In addition to Germany, the name can be found on a global scale, carried by people around the world who trace their roots back to the historic von Schönfels family.
Variations of the surname von Schönfels
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname von Schönfels include:
Schönfels, Schoenfels, Schonfels, Schoenfels, Schönfelz, Schoenfelz, Schonfelz, Schoenfelz, Schoeffels, Schoffels, Schoefels, Schoffelz, Schoefelz, Shonfells, Shonfelz, Schaenfels, Schänfels, Schaenfele, Schänfele, Schainfels, Schainfelz, Schaefels, Schaefelz, Sch premises, Schaanfels, Schaanfelz, Schaefells, Schaifuls, Schaifels, Schaffels, Schafels, and Schaffelz.
The surname von Schönfels is of German origin, with the literal translation and meaning of “beautiful” or “brilliant castle”. The various spellings of the surname likely evolved as a result of the wide-reaching influence of German-speaking cultures throughout Europe.
The ancestral form of the Schönfels surname itself is derived from the old Germanic word skonfelz, which is thought to have meant “bold” or “brave”. Variations in spelling may have looked different depending on the language spoken in the local region, thereby producing the known variations of Schönfels, Schoenfels, Schonfels, Schoenfels, and many more.
Schönfels surname holders can be found throughout the world, but is especially prevalent in Germany and parts of Europe.
Famous people with the name von Schönfels
- Philipp von Schönfels (1490-1542): A German theologian and professor at the University of Wittenberg, best known for his work in Scripture exegesis and spiritual interpretation.
- Carl von Schönfels (1775-1814): A German cavalry officer from Bavaria and a major general by the time of his death, participating in many battles of the Napoleonic Wars.
- Marianne von Schönfels (1790-1845): An Austrian noblewoman who, after she married a count in 1813, became popular for her independence and progressive political views on women's rights.
- Julia von Schönfels (1863-1933): An Austrian feminist and advocate of women's rights, she established a society in Vienna to advocate for educational, professional, and legal rights for women.
- Johann Philipp von Schönfels (1619-1667): A Bavarian nobleman and military officer under Maximilian I, who accompanied him at the 1643 Battle of Tuttlingen against the Protestant forces of the Swedish Empire.
- Karl von Schönfels (fl. 1597): A Protestant theologian, writer and professor at the University of Wittenberg, best known for his influential sermons and writings on spiritual growth.
- Julius von Schönfels (1824-1893): Reuters correspondent for the Austrian court in Vienna, later becoming a newspaper publisher and editor, and an outspoken advocate for workers' rights.
- Liesel von Schönfels (1871-1945): An Austrian physician and feminist, she encouraged women to enter the medical field during the early 20th century.
- Wilhelm Von Schönfels (1814-1871): A German poet and playwright, his best-known work is the play 'Weinlesenschule'.
- Franz von Schönfels (fl. 1845-1848): A Bavarian politician, he was a delegate to the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848, where he advocated for increased freedom of the press, and for greater popular representation.