Surname Friehling - Meaning and Origin
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Friehling: What does the surname Friehling mean?
The last name Friehling is derived from the German words "frei" and "hing", which can be translated to mean "free holding". This suggests that the name originally referred to someone who held free land, or a nobleman who was not subject to feudal servitude.
The Friehling surname originates from a town called Freilingen which is located in Germany near the Dutch border. It has been part of Germanic cultures for many centuries.
The Friehling name is well-known in Germany but has also spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, many people can trace their ancestry back to German-speaking countries, leading to the Friehling surname showing up in the records of many US states.
At its core, the name Friehling is an indication of someone whose family was proud of their freedom from servitude, and this can still be a source of pride for many people who carry the name today. Even in modern times, it serves as a reminder of the value of freedom and independence.
Order DNA origin analysisFriehling: Where does the name Friehling come from?
The last name Friehling is most commonly found in the United States and Germany. In the US, Friehling is the 3,275th most common surname, while it ranks 8,209th in Germany. On a global scale, the name is not highly ranked, though it has been found in Australia, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
The surname was first used by the descendants of a person from the Germanic tribe of Frisians during the Middle Ages. The Frisians were known for their seafaring and trading, so it is believed that the name originated due to the seafaring lifestyle of the people. Many of these Frisians migrated to various parts of Europe, and eventually some made their way to the United States.
Due to its Germanic roots, the Friehling name is largely concentrated in the US states that were once part of German-speaking lands, such as Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa. In other parts of the US, one might find it occasionally, though its concentration is largely localized.
Despite its global rarity, the Friehling name is still quite meaningful to those who proudly carry it as their own. Its Germanic roots and historical connection with the seafaring Frisian tribe stand as a reminder of our interconnected past. For those with the surname, their rare yet unique name serves to unite them with other families from all around the world.
Variations of the surname Friehling
The surname Friehling is a German and Jewish surname, originating from Middle High German. It is derived from the term 'friehling', meaning 'one who has come or arrived in the spring', which was used to refer to an immigrant.
Variants and spellings for the surname include Frieling, Frielingh, Frihling, Friling, Fryling, Frylingh, Fryhling, Frylyng, Frylynghe, Fryligh, Freiling, Friling, Frilieng, Frielink, Frylink, Fraylyng, Frayling, Frilyngh, Frylyngh and Frielinckx.
Other surnames that have a similar origin include Freuling, Freilene, Feuerling, Freyling, Frühling, Frielander, and Friel.
Although the surname is German or Jewish in origin, some Frehlings may have Italian roots, as some of the name have been Anglicised into 'Frenchedi' or 'Fregoli'.
As the name is derived from Middle High German and has many different spelling variations, there is also a wide range of etymologies and pronunciations. Freeling is commonly pronounced 'FREE-ling', Frylingh is pronounced 'FRY-ling' or 'FRAY-ling', Fryhing is pronounced 'FRAI-ling', and Frylink is pronounced 'FRAY-link'. Other pronunciations include 'FRY-ling', 'FREEL-ing', 'FREH-ling' and 'FREE-link'.
Famous people with the name Friehling
- Mark Friehling: American accountant best known for having allowed his business to be used for Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.
- Spencer Friehling: American professional basketball player in the National Basketball League (NBL).
- Stephen Friehling: American former financial adviser and convicted felon associated with the Madoff investment scandal.
- David Friehling: American businessman, doctor and convicted felon associated with the Madoff investment scandal.
- Rodney Friehling: American retired professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Chrysta Friehling: American singer and songwriter.
- Alice Friehling: American Olympian and long-distance runner.
- August Fredrick Friehling: German-American sculptor.
- Richard Friehling: German physician.
- Jack Friehling: Actor and screenwriter.