Surname Oberwinder - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Oberwinder: What does the surname Oberwinder mean?
The last name Oberwinder is a German surname that can be roughly translated to mean “overwind,” but this could also imply “overcoming wind.” This suggests the ancestors of those with the name were resilient people who endured and overcame difficult obstacles, and perhaps it is an indication of a certain strength passed down through generations.
The meaning of the surname Oberwinder may also be related to its high concentration in the eastern region of Germany, specifically the former East Prussia. This region is generally known for its harsh and bitter winters, and the Oberwinder ancestors could have made it through these trying conditions with fortitude and resourcefulness, thus accounting for the surname's significance.
In addition to referring to strength, Oberwinder can also mean “above the wind” or “above the winder.” This can be related to the family's tendency to strive higher than average or to rise above typical situations. Very likely, this may refer to a quality of success or aspiration that many with the surname have achieved.
Overall, the last name Oberwinder carries with it a sense of courage and fortitude, as well as a characteristic of rising above the wind—both literally and figuratively. Those with the surname likely share a common ancestor who had overcome difficult and often extreme circumstances, and whose courage and determination has surely been passed down through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisOberwinder: Where does the name Oberwinder come from?
The last name Oberwinder is a German surname, and is most commonly found in the German-speaking parts of Europe. According to Ancestry.com, Oberwinder is the 839th most common last name in Germany. The surname is also found in small numbers in other German-speaking countries, such as Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein.
The surname is also found in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are roughly 4,700 individuals in the United States with the last name Oberwinder. The majority of these individuals (around 85%) primarily identify as German-American. Not all German-Americans with the last name originated from Germany, however – many are from other countries such as Russia, Poland, and Ukraine that had large German-speaking populations.
In addition to the German-speaking countries in Europe and the United States, the last name Oberwinder is also found in Australia, Canada, and South Africa. It isn't known exactly how many individuals with the last name are located in these countries, but research indicates that the last name is present in each of these nations in small numbers.
Variations of the surname Oberwinder
The surname Oberwinder can be spelled Oberwynder, Oberwynder, Oberwinder, Oberwinder, Oberwinders, Oberwyders or Oberwynders. All of these variant spellings of Oberwinder are derived from the German Oberwinder which means "top winder" and was originally an occupational name used to describe people who wound rope or yarn. In the United States, the name was shortened to Ober and can also be found in the spelling variantsOBER, OBER盖Ber, OEBER, orUbΘR.
This surname was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. This hereditary surname was primarily used to denote a person who held a specific noble rank in German society. Oberwinder is a patronymic or matronymic surname meaning "son of/daughter of Ober" and was likely derived from Ober- which was a prefix used to distinguish a member of the upper class or nobility.
In ancient Bavaria, Oberwinder was a common nickname used to describe a brave or courageous person. From the 12th century onward, people who held prominent positions in the military or government in Bavaria were given the nickname Oberwinder. Gradually, the name spread to other regions of Europe, and eventually it was adopted in the United States.
The variants Oberwynder, Oberwinder, Oberwinders, Oberwyders and Oberwynders were all derived from the original Oberwinder surname and became popular alternatives due to the lack of standardized spelling during the early years of recorded history. The variant form Ober was also derived from the original surname Oberwinder, but it was shortened for the sake of convenience.
Famous people with the name Oberwinder
- Gottfried Oberwinder: Austrian Catholic theologian and professor.
- Elke Oberwinder: Austrian television actress.
- Dieter Oberwinder: German composer and arranger.
- Konrad Oberwinder: Austrian former football player.
- Erwin Oberwinder: Austrian ski mountaineer.
- Michael Oberwinder: Austrian football player.
- Christine Oberwinder: Austrian politician and member of the European Parliament.
- Johann Oberwinder: German former wrestler.
- Gordon Oberwinder: American professional soccer player.
- Kristen Oberwinder: American figure skater.