Surname Ernstsohn - Meaning and Origin

Ernstsohn: What does the surname Ernstsohn mean?

Ernstsohn is a German surname. It is thought to come from a combination of two words; 'ernst', which means 'serious' or 'diligent', and 'sohn', which translates to 'son'. This is believed to have been a way of recognising someone with those traits, possibly indicating a good work ethic or a reliable personality trait. The surname is found most predominantly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

The name Ernstsohn has become adopted by some Jewish families, as evidenced by the many variations of the name including Ernstsohn, Ernestsohn, Ernestshon, Ernestson, Erneson, and Ernestin. These variations of the name suggest that the roots of the Ernstsohn surname are likely to have developed over several generations, from initial variations in spelling and pronunciation.

The original meaning behind Ernstsohn may have been forgotten over time, but the name is still associated with hard work and reliability, two qualities which have stood the test of time. The name Ernstsohn represents a sense of pride and accomplishment in the families who continue to carry it with them today.

Ernstsohn: Where does the name Ernstsohn come from?

The last name Ernstsohn is commonly found in parts of Europe as well as in certain parts of the United States. In Europe, it is most common in Germany, where the name has a long history of being present. Additionally, it is also quite abundant in Denmark, Sweden, and Poland.

In the United States, the last name is still fairly common, especially in certain immigrant communities. For instance, it can occasionally found amongst German-American and Polish-American communities. In many cases, those who carry the name in the United States often are descended from those who migrated to the US during the 19th century and early 20th century, many of whom hailed from Germany.

In addition, many Jewish families have adopted the last name Ernstsohn, often taking it on for symbolic reasons after escaping Nazi persecution in Germany. Therefore, the name is not uncommon in many Jewish communities around the world.

Overall, the last name Ernstsohn still has a presence in many parts of Europe and the US. It has deep historical and cultural roots, a sign of its long journey throughout European and North American societies.

Variations of the surname Ernstsohn

The surname Ernstsohn is of German origin, originating from the early medieval given name Ernst, meaning "resolute, serious, determined". The surname Ernstsohn is derived from adding the patronymic suffix -sohn, meaning "son of Ernst", to the given name Ernst.

In its original German form this surname can be spelled as Ernstensohn, Ernstesohn, Ernstsen, Ernstsohn, Ernstson, Ernstson, Ernestesohn or Ernstohe.

Variants and other spellings of the same origin include Ernsten, Erntzen, Ernstovich, Ernstoff, Ernstenoux, Ernesten, Ernestin, Ernestina, Ernestinas, Ernestini, Ernestino, Ernesto, Ernessen, Erneson, Ernistou, Ernestesen, Ernestau and Ernston.

Surnames that have the same origin as Ernstsohn include Ernster, Ernesti, Ernesto, Ernsteri, Ernstorfer, Ernstorferi, Ernstrasser, Ernstere, Ernstrasseri, Ernstron, Ernstberg, Ernstberger, Ernstbergeri, Ernste, Ernsterberg, Ernstenstein, Ernstman, Ernesteman, Ernestemanu, Ernestpaul, Ernestoff, Ernestini, Ernestinu, Ernestinoff and Ernestand.

Famous people with the name Ernstsohn

• August Ernstsohn: August Ernstsohn was born in Germany in 1831 and later emigrated to America. He founded the Ernstsohn Family of America and published a book about the Ernstsohn family genealogy in 1887.
• Fred Ernstsohn: Fred Ernstsohn is an American businessman who is best known for his tenure as CEO of the nonprofit Thomas Jefferson Foundation from 2010 to 2016.
• Henry Ernstsohn: Henry Ernstsohn was an American educationist and historian who taught at the University of Pennsylvania. He is best remembered for his book on the history of Pennsylvania which was published in 1883.
• Hilda Ernstsohn: Hilda Ernstsohn was a British novelist and journalist active in the late nineteenth century. She wrote a number of successful novels, including When the Veils Fall (1899) and The Pathfinders (1902).
• Julia Ernstsohn: Julia Ernstsohn was an American pianist, composer and music teacher. Her pieces include the song "First Impressions" and a piano piece called "Hommage a Mozart."
• Karl Ernstsohn: Karl Ernstsohn was a German banker and railroad entrepreneur in the late 19th century. He reportedly created one of the earliest stock exchanges in Germany and was influential in forming the modern banking and finance systems.
• Lois Ernstsohn: Lois Ernstsohn is an American painter and sculptor. She is known for her vibrant and colorful abstract works that explore nature and its recurring motifs.
• Marjorie Ernstsohn: Marjorie Ernstsohn was an American surgeon and academic. She was a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago and an associate professor of medicine at the same university.
• Robert Ernstsohn: Robert Ernstsohn was an American artist who is best remembered for landscapes and cityscapes of New York City. He was active in the mid-twentieth century and had work exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art.

Other surnames

Ernstson