Surname Freiling - Meaning and Origin
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Freiling: What does the surname Freiling mean?
The last name Freiling is a German surname. The literal meaning of the name is "bright realm" - "frellen" meaning ‘to shine’ and “ing,” which was a suffix denoting ‘people of’ or ‘belonging to’. Early instances of the Freiling name were found in the German region of Alemania, where it was first recorded in the 1200s. It is believed to have originated from a noble family from the region of Suabia. The name would have been a sign of aristocratic status, probably borne by professional soldiers who were descendants of the Franks, a Germanic tribe that settled in the area.
The name has achieved lasting popularity due to its widespread use in Germany, Austria, and the former territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Furthermore, it has been carried to many other countries by immigrants throughout the world. It is likely that it is still occasionally used in its original home of Alemania as well.
Today, the last name Freiling continues to be a common name in many countries, particularly in Europe. While its original meaning has been lost in modern times, its origins are still remembered and are often a source of pride for those who bear the name. People with the last name Freiling may also have descended from a noble family, or may be Becker descendants, that is, those whose last name is derived from a former occupation such as that of a baker or a miller.
Order DNA origin analysisFreiling: Where does the name Freiling come from?
The last name Freiling is originally of German origin. This surname is still common today in Germany, as well as in other locations around the world. It can be found in different parts of the United States, such as Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, and other states. It is also found in Canada and England, as well as in other places in Europe such as France and Austria. According to a surname mapping from Forebears, an online genealogical database, Freiling is also fairly common in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and numerous regions in South America.
The frequency of the name can vary greatly depending on the region. Based on an analysis of Census data from the United States, Forebears data showed that Freiling was the 14,627th most common surname in the country in 2020. In Germany, the same database reports that approximately 4,219 people bear the Freiling surname. The name is even more common in Austria, where it was the 163rd most common surname in 2020.
Ultimately, the name Freiling is quite widespread globally, and while the frequency of this surname differs based on location, it continues to be a common name in numerous countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Freiling
The surname Freiling is a German family name, typically stemming from the Middle High German term vrileke meaning ‘free man’. This surname is often associated with the nobility due to its origins. Across Europe, especially in Germany and other countries that have been either a part of or in close proximity to the former German Empire, such as Austria and Switzerland, the surname Freiling is quite common.
The variants of this surname include Freilingen, Freilingers, Freiliger, Freilinge, Vrileke, and Vrieling. It is also sometimes spelled Friling and Frielink.
The surnames derived from Freiling include Frelink, Freilinger, Vrielink, Vrieleke, Vrieling, Freiling, Freilengen, and Vrielengen. These surnames evolved through immigration, especially to other countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Canada, when Freiling first-generation immigrants moved abroad in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The various spellings and variants of the Freiling surname are often associated with locations. Canada and the Netherlands, for example, are often associated with the spellings Freilengen and Vrielengen, while Freilinge and Vrielink are common in the United States.
Overall, the Freiling surname is a variation of an old, noble name once associated with a German freeholder, and its different spellings now represent a variety of locations. The numerous spelling variants and surnames stemmed from this family name trace the root of its origin over the centuries, showing the different countries in which its members became established.
Famous people with the name Freiling
- Shayne Freiling: actress and film producer, known for Leonardo and Animals United
- Arthur Freiling: writer and explorer, known for his book Yemen, From the South: Sketches in Aden and the Hadramut
- Charlie Freiling: actor, known for Move Along, Georgia Knights and Chicken Night
- Gordon Freiling: American politician from Pennsylvania
- Galit Freiling: Israeli musician, trained in jazz drumming
- Joanna Freiling: radio personality and TV news anchor
- Tina Freiling: singer-songwriter and founding member of the Alternative band Lilygun
- Billy Freiling: former professional baseball player in the Major League
- Roger Freiling: American film critic and podcast host
- Bruce Freiling: University of Michigan football player and defensive tackle