Surname Enderlein - Meaning and Origin
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Enderlein: What does the surname Enderlein mean?
The last name Enderlein is German in origin, coming from the Middle High German word “ender” meaning ‘small’ or ‘middle’ and the suffix “lein” indicating diminutive, so its literal translation would be ‘small’ or ‘middle’. This surname would have most likely been given to someone of small stature, or possibly a nickname for a family member who was the youngest. It is also possible that the name has been altered over time, since it was a German-speaking region, to indicate someone with a particular trait or characteristic.
The family name is believed to be found in three distinct geographical locations in Germany. These are in the regions of Alsace, Prussia, and East Germany. In addition, some spelling variations of the surname have been found in other parts of Europe such as Hungary, Poland, and Russia.
Enderlein has become associated with certain notable people in different fields and eras. August Enderlein was an early explorer of the Congo, who wrote about his travels in the late 19th century. Otto Enderlein was a Major General during World War II and the recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross. Helga Enderlein a German/Hungarian sculptor who created a notable number of sculptures and medals from bronze and gold metals.
The surname Enderlein is a reminder of its German roots and acknowledges those who have carried the name in their family line.
Order DNA origin analysisEnderlein: Where does the name Enderlein come from?
The last name Enderlein is German in origin and likely originates from a place called Enderle in Bavaria, Germany. The name is still relatively common today, especially in Germany and other regions of continental Europe. Regions of Poland, France, Austria, and Luxembourg also contain significant numbers of people with the last name Enderlein.
In the United States, the last name is very uncommon, as the surname was only introduced to American soil in the 19th century. The US population mainly consists of Enderlin descendants of German-speaking immigrants who arrived in the USA between 1850 and 1880. At present, the Enderlen surname is most commonly found in the Midwest, especially in Kansas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Similar last names, such as Enders and Endres, can also be found throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, the exact origin of the name remains unclear, as the meaning of the word ‘enderlein’ is unknown. Despite the mystery of its origin, the name remains popular throughout Germany today.
Variations of the surname Enderlein
The surname Enderlein has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variants include the following: Enderlin; Enderling; Endeler; Endyl; Endler; Endor; Endro; Endrelin; Enndler; and Endrle.
Enderlein is a German surname that originated in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the personal name of Ender, which is an old German name meaning "brave, strong battle". The surname was initially used as a nickname for a brave and strong fighting man. The surname was also used as an occupational name for someone who was a shield beater and a maker of armor.
The Enderlein surname has spread across Europe, and the variant spellings of the name are now found in many countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The spelling variations of the surname appear to have been influenced by regional dialect and language, as well as immigration patterns of the Enderlein family.
In Germany, the Enderlein surname is most common in Bavaria and the Thuringia region. In the US, the Enderlein surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In the UK, the Enderlein surname is most common in Yorkshire and in Scotland.
Some other similar surnames derived from the same name include Endelman, Enderla, Enderle, Enders, Ender Smith, and Enderwicz. These surnames may have developed from the Enderlein surname due to mispronunciation of or variation in spoken form of the original surname.
Famous people with the name Enderlein
- Werner Enderlein, German highjumper and Olympic Gold Medalist.
- Gordon Enderlein, Austrian flautist and orchestrator.
- Elisabeth Enderlein, Austrian classical pianist and composer.
- Adolf Enderlein, German interdisciplinary biologist.
- Sophia Enderlein, German operatic soprano.
- Anneliese Enderlein, German textile painter.
- Holger Enderlein, German historian, journalist and author.
- Kirsten Enderlein, German fashion designer and founder of the fashion label Endi.
- Monika Enderlein, Austrian operatic soprano.
- Arnd Enderlein, German assistant director and production leader.