Surname Esswein - Meaning and Origin
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Esswein: What does the surname Esswein mean?
The last name Esswein is derived from a Germanic surname which evolved from the personal name Answein. The meaning of the personal name Answein is believed to be a combination of two elements: ‘ans’ meaning ‘God’ or ‘divine’ and ‘wein’ meaning ‘friend’. Thus, the overall meaning of the last name Esswein is believed to be ‘God's friend’.
The surname is likely to have been originally borne by someone of very devout faith within the Germanic community. Such men were often sought out for spiritual and moral guidance, and the surname may also have been applied in its meaning to any wise or wise-looking individual.
The surname has various spellings, due to its regional origin and changing orthography over time, including Esswein, Answein, Asswein, Esserwein, Esserstein, Esswein, Assterstein and Aswein.
The Esswein family originated in Prussia, and first appears in numerous records from the early eighteenth century in Alsace, the former German province, located to the west of the Rhine river. Later on, they can be found in other German speaking regions of Europe.
Esswein is an uncommon surname in the present day; however, the family still maintains strong ties with their German origins, and individuals with the surname Esswein can still be found in both Europe and North America.
Order DNA origin analysisEsswein: Where does the name Esswein come from?
The last name Esswein is most commonly found in Germany today. According to MyHeritage DNA testing, it is associated with Germany from the 15th century, but experienced a peak in popularity in the 17th century and has remained common in the region. The name derives from the Old German word “esenwein”, meaning hopvine or hop wine, likely referring to someone who worked in the hop wine industry.
The most populous areas with individuals with the Esswein name today are found in the states of Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hesse in Germany. In the United States, the surname can be traced to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with smaller clusters in Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, and New York. Most individuals with the Esswein surname live in large cities or metropolitan areas such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, and Cologne.
The surname is an unusual one that is not widely used around the world, but is quite common among Germans living in the states named above. Over the centuries it has been spelled in various forms, including Eisenwein, Eswine, Esenwine, and Esswine. In addition, there is a common variant of the name "Eisenwein" that has become more popular in recent generations.
Variations of the surname Esswein
Esswein is an uncommon German surname that may be spelled in various ways, including Eßwein, Esswein, Esswine, Esswien, Esswyne, or Eßwien. Other variant spellings include Eswien, Eswein, Eswyne, and Esweyn.
The surname Esswein is derived from the Old High German word 'ezzōn' or 'izōn', which means “to pour out” or “to pour”. It is most likely either an occupational name given to a brewer, or a nickname derived from the Old High German word 'heuzzen', which means “to be restless.”
Esswein is also an ancient Hebrew name, derived from the Hebrew 'essav', which means “to guard.” This name bears the meaning “guard of wine” or “vinetender”. As such, it could have been a nickname given by an Old English blacksmith or vintner to someone who handled large quantities of wine.
Some similar or related surnames with the same origin include Esau, Isaw, Isik, Isack, Eswick, Eswik, Izaak, Essex, Esick, Iso, Isawick, Isackson, Isar, and Isackson. These names may be found in different countries across Europe, including Germany, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name Esswein
- Christian Esswein: German footballer
- Meaghan Esswein: American television actress
- Gregory Esswein: American multifacited artist
- John Esswein: American Major League Baseball player
- Lee Esswein: American racecar driver
- Erich Esswein: German painter
- Johann Peter Esswein: German engraver
- Richie Esswein: German graffiti artist and illustrator
- Christian Friedrich Esswein: German poet and novelist
- William H. Esswein: American Air Force Brigadier General