Surname Oberhansl - Meaning and Origin
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Oberhansl: What does the surname Oberhansl mean?
The last name Oberhansl is of German origin, and derives from a combination of two words: “ober” meaning “higher” or “upper” and “hansl” meaning “meadow”. The resulting literal translation could be seen as “upper meadow”. This name likely originated as a toponymic indicator, referring to a family’s origin in an upper meadow, or a particularly high-lying meadow.
The first recorded use of the Oberhansl name was in 1739, when Matthaus Oberhansl was born in Bavaria, Germany. The name gained further popularity and spread through the migration of Oberhansl families to America beginning in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Nevertheless, this family name still remains largely concentrated around the German region of Bavaria.
Today, there are numerous ways that the Oberhansl name might be spelled, such as Obergansle, Obergansl, and Obergansel. However, the core elements that make up the name—“ober” and “hansl”—remain the same. Those with the Oberhansl last name can be proud of their heritage, and can take comfort knowing they share a common ancestor with their particular surname, one who likely originated from an upper meadow.
Order DNA origin analysisOberhansl: Where does the name Oberhansl come from?
The last name Oberhansl is most common today in Central and Eastern Europe, with the majority of those with the surname living in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. In Austria, many of those bearing the surname are found in the municipality of Unteroberhansl. In Germany, most of those with the name Oberhansl live in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In the Czech Republic, the most common city to find those with the surname is Prague.
In the United States, the last name Oberhansl is not especially common. However, there is a notable population in the State of Indiana that hails from neighboring countries such as Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The population is enough to have given rise to clubs and organizations focused on German-American heritage, such as the Dekko Oberhansl Club, based in Noble County, Indiana.
While the name Oberhansl is not especially common outside of Central and Eastern Europe, it holds a great history and cultural significance to those who carry it. It is a reminder of their ancestors and of the bonds between them and the countries of their past, present, and future.
Variations of the surname Oberhansl
Oberhansl is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle German word "hansl" which means "jackdaw", a type of crow. Variants of the surname include Oberensl, Oberhansli, Oberhensle, Oberhansley, Obrehansl, and Oberensle.
Spellings of Oberhansl can include Oberensl, Oberhansli, Oberhensle, Oberhansley, Obrehansl, and Oberensle.
The surname Oberhansl can have many surnames of the same origin, such as Oberensl, Egerhansl, Oberhansli, Rauschhansl, Oberhensle, Oberhansley, Obrehansl, Obergansl, Egerhansle, and Oberensle. Other variants and surnames of similar origin include Oberdigit, Ensle, Egerhantz, Ungehansl, Ehenders, Glöckner, Bantley, Buesser, Oberhaxl, Eglseder, Oberharter, and Kalwer.
Being of German origin, Oberhansl is also found in the United States, where it is still pronounced in its original spelling and pronunciation. Across the pond in the U.K., the surname is sometimes found as Overhansl, Obronsle, and Oberensley.
The pronunciation of Oberhansl has stayed consistent, with the -el ending heard in its original spelling. The most recognizable sound remains the hard H (ɦ), creating a distinct phoneme in most Germanic languages, which the surname retains in all spellings and surnames of similar origin.
Famous people with the name Oberhansl
- Jennifer Oberhansl: Jennifer is a stuntwoman, motorsport driver and world record holder who holds the world record for most motorbike wheelies in one minute.
- Willie Oberhansl: Willie is a Youtuber and Tiktoker who has become popular for his prank videos.
- Eric Oberhansl: Eric is a professional snowboarder and four-time X Games medalist.
- Annika Oberhansl: Annika is a professional golfer and winner of an LPGA major in 2020.
- Sabrina Oberhansl: Sabrina is an actress who is best known for her roles in the films "A Room with a View" and "As I Am".
- Phillip Oberhansl: Phillip is a soccer coach and manager who has coached at the youth and professional levels in Europe.
- Stephen Oberhansl: Stephen is an Emmy Award winning Producer and Director. He has worked on productions such as The Tonight Show, Letterman and Conan O'Brien.
- Thomas Oberhansl: Thomas is a professional photographer and award-winning author. His work has been featured in National Geographic and other major outlets.
- Hans Peter Oberhansl: Hans Peter is an architect who is particularly well known for his work in sustainable design.
- Nick Oberhansl: Nick is a comedian and actor whose films "This Is Us" and "The Last Exorcism" have been seen by millions around the world.