Surname Oberfrank - Meaning and Origin

Oberfrank: What does the surname Oberfrank mean?

The last name Oberfrank is derived from the German words "Ober," meaning "upper" or "above," and "frank," meaning "free" or "noble." Together, the two words form a descriptive phrase that implies a person of noble or high standing. This may refer to those of noble birth, or to those who may have achieved a higher socio-economic status.

Historically, certain people were granted the privilege of living freely or without having to swear fealty to their rulers. Nobles such as counts, barons, and knights, for example, were often given special privileges and lands, which typically included land or holdings around a particular fort or city. This led to the use of the term "Oberfrank" to refer to someone who held a higher status.

The surname "Oberfrank" may be found in various other countries as well, such as Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic. In countries like Poland, it is a title of nobility and not a surname. In modern times, however, the name has become more common among those of various ethnic backgrounds.

In conclusion, the last name Oberfrank is of German origin and implies high standing or nobility. It may refer to those with special privileges and land, or to those who have achieved a level of success, and is found in various countries, including Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

Oberfrank: Where does the name Oberfrank come from?

The last name Oberfrank is found most prevalently in Austria and Germany. In Germany, it is most common in the states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg. Oberfrank is still relatively rare outside of these three areas, but can be found throughout Europe, with smaller populations in France, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Furthermore, it can be found beyond Europe, with immigrant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The name Oberfrank is derived from the German language, with 'Ober' meaning 'upper' and 'frank' meaning 'free'. This type of name is an occupational last name, which was used to describe a person in a certain profession, position, or role. It is thought that the name Oberfrank originally referred to a free tenant farmer or tenant of a noble landowner.

In Austria, the last name Oberfrank can be found primarily in the states of Vienna and Lower Austria, but can also be found in more rural villages throughout the country. The surname is still very uncommon in Austria, and is much more common in Germany.

Ultimately, the last name Oberfrank is found commonly today in Austria and Germany, but also has populations throughout Europe and the world due to immigration.

Variations of the surname Oberfrank

Oberfrank is a German name, derived from two words, 'Ober' and 'Frank'. 'Ober' is a German word meaning 'upper', 'higher' and 'Frank' is derived from a Germanic first name meaning 'free man'. Oberfrank can have numerous spelling variants, such as Aufrank, Ofrank, Ofrancke, Oberfranck, Opfrantz, Aufrantz, Oberfrank, Oberfrantz, Oberfranz, Oberfranck, Oberfrans, Oberfrantz, Overfrank, Loefrank, and Oefranz. It can also be spelt with a k instead of a c, i.e., Oberfranck, Oberfranke, Oberfrancken, Oberfrankey, Oberfrancky, Oberfrankee, Oberfrench, Ofrancke, Oefrank, Oefranken, Oberfrankin etc.

Surnames derived from Oberfrank can include Aufrank, Aufranek, Aufrancke, Aufrantz, Offringa, Oefranken, Ofranken, Ofrancke, Opfrantz, Overfrank, Loefrank, Loefranken, Oberfrancken, Oberfranckin, Oberfrancky, Oberfrans, Oberfrantz, Oberfranz, Oberfranken and Oberfrench.

The surname may have multiple meanings, depending on the dialect and regional language. It can be derived from a patronymic name, such as the son of Franken, and it can also be based on a placename, such as someone living by a Gothic settlement or in the part of Germany situated in the upper area of a Frankish principality.

Furthermore, the name Oberfrank can be a variant of other similar names such as Aufrank, Ofrank, Ofrancke, Opfrantz, Aufrantz, Overfrank, and so on. Similarly, surnames derived from Oberfrank can be Aufrank, Aufranek, Aufrancke, Aufrantz, Ofranken, Ofrancke, Opfrantz, Overfrank, Loefrank, Loefranken, Oberfrancken, Oberfranckin, Oberfrancky, Oberfrans, Oberfrantz, Oberfranz, Oberfranken and Oberfrench.

Famous people with the name Oberfrank

• Gitta Oberfrank: Israeli Paralympic champion
• Michael Oberfrank: German farmer and politician
• Sergei Oberfrank: Belarusian shot putter
• Clair Oberfrank:World War II resistance fighter
• László Oberfrank: Hungarian politician
• Zoltán Oberfrank: Hungarian Communist politician
• William Oberfrank: World War II U.S. Navy veteran and former chairman of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts 8.Emil Oberfrank: Hungarian Catholic priest
• Diana Oberfrank: Brazilian volleyball player
• Agathe-Sophie Oberfrank: Austrian composer

Other surnames

Oberfranz