Surname Herdlein - Meaning and Origin

Herdlein: What does the surname Herdlein mean?

The surname Herdlein is a German locational or habitational surname, deriving from a place located in the Rhineland-Palatinate area of Germany. It most likely originated from the municipal area of Hardt, part of the city of Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The name is derived from the German word 'hardt', meaning 'forest' or 'wood', combined with the diminutive suffix '-lein'.

Herdlein can also be thought of as an occupational surname, referring to a cattle-herder. Many of those with the Herdlein surname likely originally made their living as herders, or drovers of livestock, and were most likely found in the rural areas.

Thus, the Herdlein surname can be seen as a connection to a particular place as well as an occupation. Its roots in the Rhineland-Palatinate area of Germany connect it to a particular location, while its connection to the occupations of herding and droving of livestock connect it to a particular way of life. This is a remarkable reminder of the past for those with the Herdlein name, a legacy of the long-held tradition of herding and droving.

Herdlein: Where does the name Herdlein come from?

The last name Herdlein is of German origin, and is recorded in the church archives of the region as far back as the 16th century. Though its exact origin is unknown, it is thought to have come from the German word “Herd,” meaning “herd” and referring to farming. As such, the Herdlein name is most commonly found in southern Germany and surrounding countries, including Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg, Austria, and Switzerland. As German immigrants spread throughout the world, people with the Herdlein last name can now be found in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The United States is home to the highest concentration of Herdleins, with most being found in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, and California. Additionally, many German Americans may still retain the spelling of the name as "Herdle" and are hence largely concentrated in such US states.

Overall, the surname Herdlein is quite rare and is not particularly common in any one location today, due to the fact that most immigrants from Germany tend to have more common surnames, such as Schmidt, Mueller, or Koch.

Variations of the surname Herdlein

The surname Herdlein is a German occupational surname. It was derived from the Old German phrase “heirdelein” or “herdelein,” which translates to “little shepherd.” This type of surname indicated an ancestor who was a “shepherd” or the keeper of a flock, and therefore it was likely connected to agricultural labor.

Herdlein is the original spelling of this surname, however there are many other variants and spellings that are found through different regions and countries in Europe. Such variations of the surname Herdlein include: Herdele, Herdel, Herdell, Herdl, Herdle, Herdlen, Herdling and Herdrich.

In addition, there are a few surnames that have the same origin as Herdlein. These include: Hirte, Hirtelein, Kuerten, Kuerth, Kürtner, Kürttner and Lindenmaier.

The Herdlein surname is popular in many countries in Europe and beyond, having spread to the United States of America due to immigration. In Germany specifically, the surname has been used for a long time, as a look-up of Herdlein in the Germany phone book reveals that the surname is well represented. It is common in regions such as Bavaria, while other variations of it are present in other states.

Famous people with the name Herdlein

• Wendel Herdlein: German Olympic decathlete
• Joseph K. Herdlein: German politician
• Richard Herdlein: American composer and journalist
• Adriana Herdlein: Brazilian actress
• Kitty Herdlein: Dutch fashion designer
• Wolfgang Herdlein: German historian and professor
• Leonhard Herdlein: German composer of sacred music
• Christoph Herdlein: German artist
• John Herdlein: American sports commentator
• Hendrik Herdlein: Dutch lawyer and judge

Other surnames

Herdle