Surname Zunder - Meaning and Origin
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Zunder: What does the surname Zunder mean?
The surname Zunder is of German origin, likely derived from the Dutch word "zunder," meaning 'sulphur.' This would indicate that the original bearer of the name was likely someone who worked with sulphur in some capacity, such as a miner, or perhaps was a trader in the element. Alternatively, it is possible that it is derived from a nickname or given to someone with a temperament or disposition that could be likened to sulphur, such as someone who displayed a hot temper or was often angry.
Less likely, but still possible, is that the surname could have developed from a similar sounding word taken from a language other than German or Dutch, such as a Slavic word meaning 'carpenter.'
Today, however, the surname Zunder has lost its original connotations and can be found in German-speaking countries across Europe, from Germany and Austria to Poland and the Netherlands. It is also found in the United States, where it is likely that bearers of the name immigrated from one of the European countries mentioned above during the 19th or early 20th centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisZunder: Where does the name Zunder come from?
The last name Zunder is most commonly found in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania and the Midwest. Zunder surnames are of German and Dutch origin meaning “carpenter” and “thunderer”. Many descendants of immigrants from Germany and the Netherlands have the last name Zunder, and it is especially prevalent in the Northeastern part of the United States.
In the United States, there are more than 13,000 people with the last name Zunder across all 50 states. In Pennsylvania, it is one of the most common last names, with more than 5,400 people sharing the name. Indiana and Illinois combined also have more than 5,200 individuals bearing the name, followed by New Jersey with around 3,500 people. Other states with a large Zunder population include Michigan, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Iowa.
The last name Zunder is relatively uncommon around the world, with only small concentrations in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Europe, it’s mainly found around the Netherlands and Germany, with scattered individuals in other countries.
Variations of the surname Zunder
The Germanic surname Zunder is a variant of the name Zander, an occupational name given to a potter or one who made pottery from clay. In some places Zander was also used to refer to someone who worked with charcoal or coal.
The surname Zunder can also be spelled in German as Tsundar and Zundar as well as Tsunder and Zunder. It is also widely spelled in English as Zender, Zandar, Zontar, Zimmerman, Zimerman, Zuber, Senter, and Sander.
Surnames related to Zunder include Tsender, Tunder, Sunder, Sonder, and Zontar. In Denmark, the surnames Sander, Sonder, and Sondor are also related variants. In Poland the surname Zander is spelled Zańder.
The Netherlandsy variants are Cunter and Cunder, but this is usually used in Netherlands East-Indies (now Indonesia) or in Dutch Brazil. In Dutch East-Indies the surname is usually rendered as Cumber and Cunter.
The spelling of the surname Zunder can also differ in other languages based on the geographical area or region. In Sweden the surname Zunder may be spelled Zander or Cander, while in the Untied States it is usually spelled Sander. In France the surname may be spelled Tsander or Tsinter. In Germany, Hungary, and Central Europe, the surname Zunder is rendered as Zundar. In Scotland, the surname Zander is usually spelled Zenter, Zondar, or Zintar.
In all variants, the surname Zunder has the same origin derived from the Germanic term "zandyra,’ which translates as potter.
Famous people with the name Zunder
- Adelina Zunder, American Rock and Roll drummer
- Gerrit Zunder, Dutch composer
- Kate Zunder, Australian actress
- Jake Zunder, Canadian lawyer and politician
- Jo Zunder, Belgian singer-songwriter
- Carol Zunder, German public commentator
- Sari Zunder, Swiss photographer
- Tomas Zunder, Czech cinematographer
- Miryam Zunder, Dutch visual artist
- Bryan Zunder, British composer and record producer