Surname Houdersheld - Meaning and Origin

Houdersheld: What does the surname Houdersheld mean?

The last name Houdersheld is of Dutch origin, and is derived from two elements. The first is houden, which means “to hold” or “to keep,” combined with the word starl meaning "shield." Together, the two elements form the name Houdersheld, which literally translates to “holder of the shield.”

This surname is quite suggestive and likely refers to the eldest male member of a family who had historically served in a military capacity. In general, the bearer of this name would have been responsible for safeguarding his family, land, or possessions. Furthermore, it is likely that this name was acquired by individuals who served in a guard or defensive capacity, such as members of a castle guard or military regiment.

It is possible that the name Houdersheld could have been derived from a Viking ancestor. Vikings were known for their strength and courage, and living up to the meaning of the name Houdersheld would have been an important part of their culture. This approach is further echoed in the modern English term “knight in shining armor,” which etymologically links back to Houdersheld.

Throughout history, many people have lived up to the name Houdersheld. By protecting their family, land, and possessions, they have fulfilled its true meaning. Today, the family name Houdersheld is still in use and is sure to live on for centuries to come.

Houdersheld: Where does the name Houdersheld come from?

The last name Houdersheld is most commonly found in the Netherlands, with a significantly higher concentration in the northern regions. According to the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, as of 2019, there were 218,258 people with the surname Houdersheld living in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is home to the largest population of Houdershelds globally with two regions boasting a significantly higher concentration; Gelderland (14,188) and Noord Brabant (12,736). Across the rest of the world there are various concentrations of the name found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, and in the United Kingdom in Scotland and England.

Research has found the Houdersheld name to have originated in the Netherlands in the region now known as North Brabant during the thirteenth century. It is thought that the name Houdersheld originated from the Old Dutch word "Holder Scheldt" which means to have the power of the River Scheldt.

The family has spread across the world since then and today the Houdersheld name still has a strong presence in the Netherlands, and thanks to emigration is found in many other countries across the world.

Variations of the surname Houdersheld

Houdersheld is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German huter (caretaker) and schilt (shield). The variants of this surname include the German Hutterschilt, the Dutch Houdersheldt, and Hauderschield and Haudersheld in the German form. The alternate spellings of this surname include Hoffman, Houersheid, Huterschold, and Hoederscheld.

The surnames of the same origin include Hüterschildt, Hutzersheld, Hutscheld, Hotersheldt, Honderscheld, and Hunerscheld. The variants and alternate spellings of these surnames are Hüterchied, Hueterscheldt, Hutschelde, Hoyerschedt, Hodersheld, and Hunerschilt.

The surnames of the same origin dating back to the early Middle Ages include Huetterschilt, Hudderschild, Huitzershelde, Hutschelden, and Huterschult. The variants and alternate spellings of these were Hüderscht, Hutterscheld, Hudderschildt, Hüderscheldt, Hueterscheidt, Hottschild, and Honaerschiedt.

The earliest recorded occurrences of these surnames occurred in the 13th century. In addition to Germany and the Netherlands, many of these surnames can also be found in Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries where German is spoken. In the US, the most common spelling of Houdersheld is Haudersheld.

Famous people with the name Houdersheld

• Mark Houdersheldt, American actor.
• Piepers Houdersheldt, Belgian architect.
• Charles Houdersheldt, German WWI prisoner of war researcher.
• Bartholomeo Houdersheldt, Dutch industrialist.
• Willem Houdersheldt, Dutch advertising magnate.
• Roland Houdersheldt, American children’s author.
• Cyprien Houdersheldt, French fashion designer.
• Michael Houdersheldt, American cartoonist.
• Iskander Houdersheldt, Russian painter.
• Alexander Houdersheldt, German philosophy professor.
• August Houdersheldt, Austrian librarian.
• Walter Houdersheldt, German composer and conductor.
• Benjamin Houdersheldt, French diplomat and essayist.
• Cornelius Houdersheldt, Dutch mayor and politician.
• Roy Houdersheldt, American television producer.
• Antony Houdersheldt, French sculptor.
• Herman Houdersheldt, German physicist and astronomer.
• Ollie Houdersheldt, American football player.
• Issa Houdersheldt, Lebanese dancer, choreographer and teacher.
• Izaak Houdersheldt, Dutch carpenter.

Other surnames

HoudershellHoudershelt