Surname Landwehrs - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'L'
Landwehrs: What does the surname Landwehrs mean?
The last name Landwehrs is German in origin, deriving from the term “Landwehr” which refers to the militia of a military force. During times of war, soldiers in a Landwehr served as a reserve force to supplement the army reserve, and were usually comprised of elderly, veteran and mentally or physically disabled men. In some cases, the term was used to refer to guarding duties in armies and other military forces.
In modern times, the last name Landwehrs is seen in many countries throughout the world, but is most commonly found in countries which have a German history such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It commonly appears as “Landwehr” in Germany, “Landwëhr” in Austria, or “Landwehrs” in Switzerland.
The Landwehr family legacy is an important part of German military history. Although the term is not used much anymore, the name still carries a certain level of respect and admiration. People with this surname are likely to be proud of their military past and ancestors who served in these militias.
Order DNA origin analysisLandwehrs: Where does the name Landwehrs come from?
The Landwehr surname is of Germanic origin and is common primarily in Germany today. In pre-modern Germany, Landwehr referred to militia forces or military reserves. However, today in Germany, the surname is considered a traditionally-German surname, indicating a geographic origin or a profession.
TheLandwehr surname is especially common in the area of former Prussia, notably in East Prussia, which is now part of Poland. The surname is also found in large numbers in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rheinland-Pfalz and Hessen in Germany, as well as the Netherlands, and some of the German speaking areas of Switzerland.
Landwehr is derived from the German word for “defensive wall”, and some sources suggest that the surname originated with a family who lived near a protective wall, e.g. a castle.
The Landwehrs in Germany are typically Protestant and were among the early German settlers to America in the 18th century. The surname is widely dispersed through the United States and Canada, but is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of South America. It is present in the United Kingdom, but very rare.
The Landwehr surname is still in use today, often associated with a family who has been living in the same German region for many generations.
Variations of the surname Landwehrs
Landwehrs is a German surname with many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant of Landwehrs is Landwhers but other variants/spellings include: Landwehr, Landweher, Landwehrr, Leindewehr, Leondweher, Lendwehrs, Lenndwehr, Landehrs, and Landhwehr.
The surname Landwehrs originated from the Old High German word "Landawari" which was utilized to describe the troops who were placed in a country or area to defend it against invaders. The root of the word "wari" was derived from the word "warnan", which means to defend or protect. Over time, naming practices changed, and the Old High German "-awari" suffix was transformed to the modern German "-ehrs". This surname was carried by military officers or civilians loyal to the defense of their land.
The variants of this surname are often associated with non-Germanic countries such as Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark. Variants can be found in different documents such as birth, marriage and death records, as well as in military sources. Some variants are also found in the United States, England and Canada.
In conclusion, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Landwehrs are numerous. The Old High German word "Landawari", which originally referred to defense troops, is the root of the surname. This surname has been used in various countries and documents.
Famous people with the name Landwehrs
- Aaron Landwehr: Former American professional soccer player. He ended his playing career in 2004 with the St. Louis Steamers of which he was the team's captain.
- Elizabeth Landwehr: Former American professional beach volleyball player. She won several championships and was inducted into the BPAA Hall of Fame in 2010.
- Jacob Landwehr: American figure skater. He was the U.S. Junior champion in 2016 and has earned multiple medals in various international competitions.
- Mark Landwehr: American lawyer and former state senator from Kansas. He was president of the Kansas Bar Association in 2009 and is currently a partner at a law firm in Kansas City.
- Robert Landwehr: American Academy Award-winning film producer. He executive produced the critically acclaimed film, "Carol" starring Cate Blanchett, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2016.
- Thomas Landwehr : German swimmer. He competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics and won two bronze medals in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4x100-meter medley relay.
- Steven Landwehr: Musician. He has released two albums and is a member of the rock band, Minor Details.
- Sophia Landwehr: Artist. She is known for her vibrant abstract canvas paintings which have been featured in galleries in Germany.
- Stephanie Landwehr: German fashion designer. She debuted her first line of designer clothing in 2012 and has since become one of the most sought-after designers in Germany.