Surname Egloffstein - Meaning and Origin
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Egloffstein: What does the surname Egloffstein mean?
The last name Egloffstein is derived from a Germanic personal name, Egilwolf. The name most likely means "edge of the wolf's habitat" or "edge of the forest of the wolves".
The surname first appeared during the Middle Ages in many parts of what is now Germany. An early recorded use of the name was in 1342, when the surname Egliuolfi was used as an excerpt from a document.
In the 16th century, the name was changed slightly; the spelling Egloffstein was the preferred spelling. The use of this spelling has become standard since then.
The people who first had the name Egloffstein tended to live in certain regions of Germany, such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Thuringia. Later on, the name began to spread to other parts of Europe, including the United States.
It is believed that the surname Egloffstein emerged in response to the need to distinguish families from one another, since many had the same given name. It was likely used as an identifier, akin to an address, so that people could recognize who was being referred to.
Overall, the last name Egloffstein is an interesting symbol of Germanic life during the Middle Ages. It was likely used as a way to differentiate families and is still used today to recognize certain family lines from Germany. The name is steeped in both history and culture and serves as a reminder of the various ways that family names have been used throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisEgloffstein: Where does the name Egloffstein come from?
The last name Egloffstein is most commonly found in the German-speaking regions of Europe. In Germany, a majority of people with this name live in the Bavarian region, with smaller numbers found in the neighboring states of Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. It is also present in Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, as well as in other parts of Europe, such as France and Belgium.
The surname is most likely derived from an area that is now known as Egolzwiller, located in the region of Grand Est in northeastern France, close to the modern-day border with Germany. The name is thought to come from the French word "egle" meaning a "spike". In the 16th or 17th century, the area was inhabited by members of a family who took the name as their own, eventually leading to it being used as a last name.
Since the 19th century, people with the last name Egloffstein have also emigrated to countries outside of Europe, particularly the United States, with very small numbers populating Australia, Canada, and South America. In the US, many of the families are from Pennsylvania and Ohio.
In modern times, Egloffsteins can be found across the globe, but remain mainly in the regions of their origin in Europe.
Variations of the surname Egloffstein
The surname Egloffstein is derived from an old german word, and has several variants and spellings, as well as derivatives based on the same origin.
Agloffstein, Eglofstein, Aiglofstain, Egelofstein and Egeloffstein, are all variations of the same name.
It can also be found with the suffix "-er" attached, such as in Egloffsteiner. This is used to denote someone from the town of Egloffstein, as opposed to someone who simply bears the name.
There are also a few derivative surnames related to the Egloffstein origin. For example, Aigelofing or Egilfing, which both derive from the same root. Both may be used to indicate descendants or family members of the original bearer of the Egloffstein surname.
In addition, widows may adopt a maiden name variant of the original surname. Those related to Egloffstein may adopt Aiglof, Aiglef, Aglef, and Eglof as an indication of this change in status.
Finally, Egloff, Aglif and Egolf are forms of the original name commonly seen in Switzerland, while Eiglef and Eigelof are derivatives found in Germany.
Overall, the Egloffstein surname has many different forms, depending on the region it is being used in and whether it is being used to denote someone's original place of origin, or simply as a surname.
Famous people with the name Egloffstein
- Countess Maria Juliana Elisabeth of Egkoffstein (1781-1858), German noblewoman.
- Count Franz Karl of Egloffstein (1794-1844), Bavarian military officer.
- Baroness Mariana Victoria of Egloffstein (1865-1922), Austrian socialite and diplomat.
- Count Alexander zu Egloffstein (1805-1883), Bavarian politician.
- Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Egloffstein (1809-1890), Prussian General and court chamberlain.
- Count Johann Carl von Egloffstein (1812-1890), Bavarian diplomat.
- Freiherr Ludwig von Egloffstein (1818-1880), Bavarian Minister of Justice.
- Count Augustin zu Egloffstein (1833-1891), Bavarian diplomat.
- Baroness Carolina Maria von Egloffstein (1846-1910), Austrian court lady and painter.
- Max Freiherr von Egloffstein (1859-1928), German President of the Prussian House of Lords.