Surname Eißfeld - Meaning and Origin

Eißfeld: What does the surname Eißfeld mean?

The last name Eißfeld is a locational surname meaning one who is from or associated with a place named Eißfeld. It originates from the place name, which is a combination of two words: eiß, which refers to an old German word for a body of water, and feld, meaning field or open area. Thus, the name Eißfeld roughly translates to “field by the water” and likely originated in an area near or beside a body of water.

Eißfeld is a relatively uncommon name, with records of the surname dating back to the late 17th century, mostly concentrated in the Saxony towns of Celle, Braunschweig, and Hannover. In 1790, the Eißfelds made up roughly 0.0016 percent of the population of those three towns combined. One notable bearer of the surname was the Dutch theologian Johannes Eißfeld, who wrote about the history of the Reformation in seventeenth-century Germany and Poland.

The meaning of the name Eißfeld and its origin in the place of the same name provides a meaningful and interesting narrative for those who bear the name. It grants them insight into their family’s past, of which the name is itself a reminder, offering an opportunity to trace their roots and build their familial stories.

Eißfeld: Where does the name Eißfeld come from?

The last name Eißfeld is most common today in Germany, where it is particularly popular in the western and north-eastern parts of the country. Eißfeld is the German version of the English name "Icefield," potentially indicating an ancestor from a colder part of Europe.

Eißfeld is also found in other parts of Europe, including Norway, Austria, and Switzerland. It may have been introduced to some of these countries by immigrants from Germany. In America, the name is still rarely seen, though the influx of German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries may have brought the name to the United States.

Versions of Eißfeld in other languages include Eisfeld (with single "s"), Eiszfeld (with double "s"), Eysfeld (with "y"), and sometimes other subtle variations. The name is also sometimes spelled without the umlaut by older families, and is sometimes seen as ICKESTEELD or ICKSTELD.

Eißfeld is thought to have been a name given to people who lived near the frozen rivers, fields, or lakes, or who may have come from a place called "Eißfeld." This may have originally been an occupational name for someone who maintained these icy areas, such as a woodsman, hunter, or fisherman.

Given the prominence and commonality of the name in Germany today, it is likely that the original bearer of the name Eißfeld made their home in the colder climates of northern and western Germany. The name has certainly made its way across Europe and even to the United States over the last several centuries, indicating a long and varied history of migration.

Variations of the surname Eißfeld

The spelling and variants of the surname Eißfeld have evolved over time, and often reflect the culture in which the name has been most commonly used. The most common variant spellings of the surname Eißfeld include Esfeld, Aesfeld, Eisfeld, Eißfeld, Eisenfeld, and Isefeld. Additionally, many of these same spellings can also be found with the suffix "er," transforming the names into Esfelder, Aesfelder, Eisfelder, Eißfelder, Eisenfelder, and Isefelder.

The surname Eißfeld also has some additional, less common variations including Eser, Esers, Aserer, Eiser, and Aßer. These alternate spellings can often be found within the same family line. Additional surnames that result from the Eißfeld root include Aeser, Eisser, and Eßer.

It's worth noting that surnames can be associated with multiple origins. For instance, the surname Eißfeld can also be associated with Jewish ancestry, due to increased migration of Jews across Europe during World War II and a history of persecution.

In some cases, the alternate spellings of the surname Eißfeld are simply a result of a spelling variation as the same name is passed on from one generation to the next. It's also common to see geographical variations, with the names Esfeld and Eißfeld appearing in German-speaking regions, such as Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg, and Esfelder being more prevalent in the United States.

We can also trace the cultural influences that have shaped the spelling of the surname Eißfeld. Anglicized versions of the name such as Aserer and Aesfelder were often adopted by immigrants to the United States who sought to make their surname easier to pronounce and spell.

In conclusion, the surname Eißfeld has evolved over time and features multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It's also possible to trace the geographical, cultural and linguistic influences that have shaped the spelling of the surname Eißfeld over time.

Famous people with the name Eißfeld

• Elmar Eißfeldt: German Reformed theologian and professor.
• Sandrine Eißfeld: French politician.
• Klaus Eißfeld: German documentary filmmaker.
• Günther Eißfeldt: German television presenter and journalist.
• Karin Eißfeldt: German politician.
• Edgar Eißfeld: German table tennis player and Olympic medalist.
• Timo Eißfeld: German professional rugby league player.
• Friedrich Eißfeld: German agricultural scientist.
• Dario Eißfeld: German football player.
• Fritz Eißfeld: German air show pilot.
• Gregor Eißfeldt: German footballer.
• Kay Eißfeld: German historian.
• Lili Eißfeldt: German television presenter and actress.
• Rüdiger Eißfeldt: German former professional football player.
• Caroline Eißfeldt: German model and actress.

Other surnames

EißfeldtEißfeller