Surname Ringwald - Meaning and Origin
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Ringwald: What does the surname Ringwald mean?
The surname Ringwald is of German origin. It is a compound of two elements: "Ring", a Middle High German word meaning "ring", and "Wald", a Middle High German word meaning "power, authority or rule". Surnames are often associated with occupation, geographical location, or personal characteristics. In the case of Ringwald, it may have been associated with individuals who held authority or power. However, the exact historical and geographical context of this surname requires more thorough genealogical research. As with many European surnames, there might be several possible meanings and origins due to linguistic, regional, and historical factors. It's also noteworthy that a significant bearer of this surname is Molly Ringwald, an American actress known for her roles in popular 1980s films.
Order DNA origin analysisRingwald: Where does the name Ringwald come from?
The last name Ringwald is most common in Germany and Austria, where it originated. It can also be found in Denmark, among other Scandinavian countries.
In Germany, the surname is most commonly found along the North Sea coast, across a large area in the western part of the country. It also has a strong presence in the capital of Berlin, and is found in other cities such as Frankfurt, Munich and Hamburg.
In Austria, the Ringwald name is concentrated around the capital city of Vienna, along with other areas in Austria's eastern region.
Ringwald is also a common last name in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world where German or Austrian immigrants and their descendants have settled. The number of people in the US bearing this surname is estimated to be around 5,000.
While it has largely stayed in Germany and Austria, Ringwald has spread beyond the borders of those two countries over the years. It is now a worldwide name, a testament to the strong cultural connections between far-reaching countries in today's world.
Variations of the surname Ringwald
Ringwald is an old German surname that derives from the Middle High German word ‘Ringe’ which translates to ‘ring.’ Common variants and spellings of Ringwald include Ringwaldt, Reingold, Rinngold and Ringolt. The surnames Reingold, Rinngold and Ringolt come from the same root word as Ringwald – ‘Ringe’ – but they differ slightly in spelling due to variants in the language.
The majority of people with the last name Ringwald were either of German or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Additionally, people living in the United States may have changed the spelling of their surname to Ringwald in order to blend in or to be less conspicuous due to World War II.
Surnames with similar origins include Rinhold, Ringel, Ringen, Rinhart and Ringenhart. Rinhold, Ringel and Ringen are all derived from the German word for ring, while Rinhart and Ringenhart come from the Dutch word for ‘ring’,’meaning’ringed.
People with the surname Ringwald may also have other surnames from different origins. These variants have similar spellings and meanings, but different origins, such as Rinholt, Reinholdt, Reinholtz, Rainhold and Rainholtz which are derived from German and Yiddish words for ‘ring,’ ‘hold’ and ‘protected.’
In conclusion, the surname Ringwald is a popular German surname which has many variants and spellings. These variants and spellings may differ due to different languages or different cultural backgrounds, but they all ultimately derive from the Middle High German word ‘Ringe’ meaning ‘ring.’
Famous people with the name Ringwald
- Molly Ringwald: Molly Ringwald is an actress, author, and singer who has gained mass renown from her roles in classic 1980s films such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink.
- Mathilda May: Mathilda May is a French actress and daughter of jazz trumpeter Claude Ringwald. She is best known for her role in the 1995 blockbuster film La Reine Margot.
- Irving Ringwald: Irving Ringwald was a Canadian actor, director, and playwright who had an extensive career on stage and screen dating back to the 1920s.
- Ann Ringwald: Ann Ringwald is a writer, editor, and journalist. She's written a number of books, including the New York Times bestseller Coast to Coast and the novel Aftermath of War.
- Chris Ringwald: Chris Ringwald is an artist and curator who draws upon his experience as a documentary filmmaker to explore topics such as race, power, and contemporary culture.
- Tracey Ringwald: Tracey Ringwald is an American voice actress and singer best known for her numerous roles in animated series, video games, and audio books. 7.g Gordon Ringwald: Gordon Ringwald is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Las Caballeros Orchestra and Chorus in Arizona. He has held this position since 2011.
- John Ringwald: John Ringwald is an American writer, illustrator, and storyteller who explores nature, folk tales, and the power of imagination through his work.
- Eric Ringwald: Eric Ringwald is an artist and business owner whose multimedia artwork is composed of sculptures, digital images, and videos.
- Mercedes Ringwald: Mercedes Ringwald is a Spanish actress and writer who is best known for her many roles in films and television.
- Hans Ringwald: Hans Ringwald was a German World War II U-boat captain whose daring tactics earned him the admiration of his countrymen, though his ultimate fate remains unknown.