Surname Eschholt - Meaning and Origin

Eschholt: What does the surname Eschholt mean?

The surname Eschholt is of Dutch origin, derived from the place name "Ascheldoorn" located in Gelderland. The name itself means "a log fence around a pasture" and is composed of two elements: asch, meaning "ash", and doorn, meaning "thorn". This place name was likely chosen by early Eschholt settlers due to its natural features—ash trees surrounded by a thorny fence protecting a pasture.

The Eschholt family is one of the oldest living Dutch families, and records can be found dating back to 1362. Initially the family settled in Overijssel but they eventually spread further throughout the Netherlands and eventually emigrating to other countries.

Over the centuries, various members of the Eschholt family have made names for themselves in different fields. In the 1700s members of the family held positions in the Dutch East India Company, whilst Music Conductor, André de Quadros Eschholt was an inspirational figure in the 2000s leading the Gondwana Choirs – an iconic choir made up of 8,000 young people from all over Australia.

Today the surname Eschholt is still found throughout the Netherlands and the world, representing a diverse variety of people who all share a common ancestry and history. It can also be a reminder of the importance of holding onto our roots as well as a proud symbol of the accomplishments and contributions of our ancestors.

Eschholt: Where does the name Eschholt come from?

The last name Eschholt is most commonly found today in Germany and parts of Scandinavia. The geographic distribution of this surname forms the basis for the emergence of the family's history. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Here, it is the 5,681st most common name. It is also relatively common in the northern regions of Lower Saxony and North Rhine Westphalia.

In Sweden, Eschholt is the 8,854th most common surname. It is most prevalent in Norrbotten and Västra Götaland. In Norway, it is the 4,105th most common last name, mostly distributed throughout Rogaland, Vestfold og Telemark, akershus, and Aust-Agder. In Denmark, the name is the 6,629th most common last name, with its highest concentrations in Southern Jutland, Central Jutland, and Copenhagen.

The family name has a rich Germanic background and is most likely derived from a combination of two words. The first word, "Esche," which means ash, conveys the idea of strength, while the second, "Holt," refers to a piece of land covered in trees, conveying the idea of a peaceful and natural environment. Collectively, the name is a reference to the strength of a park-like setting.

The Eschholt family has a deep ancestral history in Europe. The presence of the name since at least the early 17th century indicates the family established itself in the region long ago. Today, members of the Eschholt family can be found in Germany, Scandinavia, and across Europe, with the last name still keeping its traditional meaning.

Variations of the surname Eschholt

The surname Eschholt may be spelt in many ways depending on the geographical location. In countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, it can be spelt Eschholz, Eschhöltz, Eschholtz, Eschholtz or Eschhölt. In Sweden, it is spelt Eschholt and in other countries, it may be spelt Escott or Escuit.

In Germany, the surname Eschholtz derived from the place name Eschholz which means “wood for cutting”. In the Netherlands, the name was derived from the Dutch verb ‘schhelt’, which means “to cook or to heat”. In Sweden, the name Eschholt is derived from the Old Swedish word “esholt”, which means “edge” or “border”.

The name has spread to various other countries as well, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. In the United States, for example, the surname may be spelt Ashworth, Amshewitz, Escue, Escolta, Aisholt, Escue, Askweth, Aishwortz, Aisholtz, Ashwish, Acholt and Aishaworth. The surname may also be spelt Esholtz, Ashholtz, Aishold, Escold, Aishwort, Ashwalt and Aisholz in Canada and Ashcroft or Oschelt in the United Kingdom.

The variations of the surname Eschholt offers an insight into the vast changes in spelling and pronunciation that have occurred over time. It illustrates the rich history behind many surnames and how cultures have altered them through the centuries.

Famous people with the name Eschholt

• Nina Eschholtz, German film producer and screenwriter
• Peter Eschholtz, Austrian historian
• Joseph Eschholtz, Danish harpsichordist
• Johan Eschholtz, Swedish singer-songwriter
• Frederic Eschholtz, French actor and film director
• Inger Eschholtz, Danish actor
• Thomas Eschholtz, German musician
• John Eschholtz, Danish painter
• Tommy Eschholtz, American football player
• Klara Eschholtz, Swedish actress.

Other surnames

Eschholz