Surname von Winterfeldt - Meaning and Origin

von Winterfeldt: What does the surname von Winterfeldt mean?

The last name von Winterfeldt is of German origin, and is associated with nobility and aristocracy. Historically, individuals with the last name of von Winterfeldt were members of the Prussian aristocracy that held a high rank of nobility. The name is composed of two parts - Von meaning “of/from” and Winterfeldt, a habitational name derived from the town of Winterfeld, located in present-day Saxony-Anhalt.

The prefix “von” in German implies a status of nobility and was typically exclusive to those of high societal standing. This word was adopted by the Prussian aristocracy as part of their surnames during the late 18th century. During this time, “von” was placed directly before a person’s actual surname in order to denote their status as a member of the upper class. Because the name von Winterfeldt includes “von,” it is likely that it was used by a family with wealth, social power, or influence upon their entry into the Prussian nobility in the 18th century.

The von Winterfeldt family may have owned land or had hereditary titles in the town of Winterfeld for generations, or alternatively, they may have acquired their prestigious status in a later period after the advent of Prussian transcriptions of hereditary names. As time progressed, this last name began to spread beyond Winterfeld throughout Germany, and today it is still common in the country.

von Winterfeldt: Where does the name von Winterfeldt come from?

The last name von Winterfeldt is most commonly found in Germany and Eastern Europe. It is thought to have originated from the Silesian region of Germany following the Middle Ages. In modern times, the majority of von Winterfeldts can be found in Germany, with a large amount residing in Berlin, Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein.

Family members with the von Winterfeldt surname can also be found in eastern European countries such as Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary, as well as further afield in the United States, Canada and Australia.

The von Winterfeldt name is also quite prevalent in Central and South America, particularly mostly in Chile, Brazil and Paraguay. Of course, this number has greatly increased over the centuries with increased immigration.

Although there was a common usage of the prefix ‘von’ to denote a previous nobility title, many von Winterfeldts in modern times have no prior heritage of nobility. Nevertheless, the von Winterfeldt name is still one with historical relevance. The name is usually believed to have been given to those particular families within Silesia following their accomplishments and place in society.

The von Winterfeldt name is still encountered today, with many bearing the same surname across the world, perhaps due to their earlier European roots.

Variations of the surname von Winterfeldt

The surname von Winterfeldt is mainly found in Germany, due to its roots in Prussian nobility. Its variants, spellings and surnames of same origin are:

1. Winterfeld: Derived from Middle Low German words “wintar” and “velt”, which translates to “winter” and “field”, respectively.

2. Wintorveldt: Derived from Middle Low German words “wintar” and “veldt”, which translates to “winter” and “field”, respectively.

3. Winterfeldt: Derived from Middle Low German words “wintar” and “velt”, which translates to “winter” and “field”, respectively.

4. Wintersfeld: Derived from Middle Low German words “wintar” and “velt”, which translates to “winter” and “field”, respectively.

5. Von Winterfeld: Derived from Middle Low German words “wintar” and “velt”, as well as the “von” prefix associated with Prussian nobility.

6. Van Winterfeld: Derived from Middle Low German words “wintar” and “velt”, as well as the “van” prefix typically seen amongst Dutch surnames.

Surnames of the same origin include:

• Winterfelden

• Wintersfeldt

• Wintroveld

• Wintroveldt

• Wintorfel

• Wintorfeld

• Wintersvelt

• Winterfelth

• Wintervelt

• Wintersveld

• Wintersveldt

• Winterveld

The rare surname Winterfeldt has been used by Prussian nobles for many years and can be seen in many countries across the world. Its various spellings and surnames of same origin are also evidence of the 61,000 individuals who currently have this name as part of their heritage.

Famous people with the name von Winterfeldt

• Heinrich von Winterfeldt, a German WWI Military Historian.
• Ewald von Kleist-Schmenzin, a German statesman, lawyer, and soldier who was a member of the Conservative Party and the nationalist Concordat circle.
• Ernst von Winterfeldt, a Prussian artillery officer and diplomat.
• Berthold von Winterfeld, an Imperial Russian Army officer who took part in many battles throughout the 19th century.
• Ludwig von Winterfeld, a Prussian general who commanded troops during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.
• Gustav von Winterfeldt, a German Republican politician who was leader of the left-wing German People's Party up until World War I.
• Hermann von Winterfeld, a German general and diplomat who served in the Prussian and then German military forces.
• Count Walther von Winterfeld, a Prussian general noted for his distinguished service in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.
• Paul von Winterfeld, a Prussian major-general under Kaiser Wilhelm I and then the German Empire.
• Clara von Winterfeldt, a South African midwife who dedicated her life to the care of pregnant women and their newborns.

Other surnames

von Winterfeld