Surname Oilinghast - Meaning and Origin
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Oilinghast: What does the surname Oilinghast mean?
The last name Oilinghast is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old German element "olf" meaning "wolf". This suggests that the ancestors of those with the surname Oilinghast were associated with a "wolf-like" attribute. The second element of the name comes from the Old High German hagan or hagen meaning "enclosure", implying the original bearer of the name lived near an "enclosure".
Throughout the centuries, the name Oilinghast was commonly found in many parts of Germany and Switzerland, and the name spread to other countries such as the Netherlands and the United States.
Today, those with the surname Oilinghast are believed to be descendants from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds. Some may be descendants of Germanic families, while others may be of more recent heritage.
In terms of character traits, those of the Oilinghast surname are often seen as courageous, determined and loyal. Those who carry the name are often hardworking and can often rise to the top in their chosen field.
Ultimately, the last name Oilinghast is an interesting one with a fascinating history. Those who carry the name should take pride in its meaning and all they can achieve with it.
Order DNA origin analysisOilinghast: Where does the name Oilinghast come from?
The last name Oilinghast is most commonly seen today in the United States and Canada, although the family originated in England. In the United States, the surname is most concentrated in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, as well as in Montreal, Canada.
More specifically, Oilinghasts are found in 19 U.S. states, with the greatest concentrations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, California, and Texas. In Massachusetts it is estimated that there are approximately 1,000 individuals with the last name Oilinghast. Other states where the Oilinghast name is found in higher numbers than the national average are Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.
In Canada, the greatest concentrations reside in the province of Quebec. According to the Canadian Census of 2006, a total of 225 Oilinghast individuals are living in Canada. Of these, 195 are found in Quebec with the majority living in Montreal. The remaining 30 individuals with the Oilinghast surname reside in Ontario.
In England, the surname is still present in the counties of London, Yorkshire, and Sussex. In London, the Pew Survey of 2011 states that the greatest number of individuals with the Oilinghast surname are living in the City of Westminster, with 27 individuals.
In total, the Oilinghast surname is present in 22 countries across 5 continents.
Variations of the surname Oilinghast
The surname Oilinghast, is an English patronymic name, which is derived from the Old German given name Ollegario. It can be seen spelled in various different ways such as Olynger, Olingard, Ollenger and Olingherd. It is a name that has a long ancient history dating back to the 12th century or even earlier.
Variant spellings for Oilinghast include Olynger, Oilinger, Olenger, Oellingher and Ollinger. The modern spellings of Oillinghast, Oilleningest and Oilinghost are also occasionally found, however, these are somewhat more rare.
The surnames of Oilinghast and Ollinager are derived from a nickname for people who were 'allied' or 'related' in some way, therefore it is assumed that both were used interchangeably for centuries in Britain. Surnames such as Ollinger, Olinder, Olin and O'Linn are all derivatives from the same root, although they seem to be much more common in the United States than Britain.
Other variants of the surname include Olenghast, Ollingerst, Ollinhast and Olhnghast. The name Olenghast is particularly rare, however, it is possible that it may have been derived from one of the other variants, e.g. Ollingerst.
The spelling and pronunciation of the surname may also have varied over the years or been adapted to fit different regional dialects. It can be seen spelled in various ways such as Ollinhast, Ollinghast, Ollingerst, Ollinghast and Olinnhast.
In conclusion, the surname Oilinghast has a very deep and varied history that dates back centuries and is still very much alive today. Each of the variant spellings and surnames all stem from the same origin, and have been pronounced and adapted in ways to fit regional dialects.
Famous people with the name Oilinghast
- Leila Oilinghast: Danish actress known for her roles in Tiger Heart, King's Game, and 7 Seconds.
- Leonard Oilinghast: Actor and Director whose work includes Last Man Standing and the television series Mockingbird.
- Stuart Oilinghast: photographer, journalist, and author who writes about nature and conservation.
- Lawrence Oilinghast: American film producer and former banker who produced films such as Beowulf, Troy, and The 6th Day.
- Robert Oilinghast: Canadian film and television composer known for his work on The Elvis Movie, Express News, and Le Roy'x Eleven.
- Rasmus Oilinghast: Danish professor and folk singer who released the record Colors of Greenland.
- Dennis Oilinghast: executive producer and director whose works include the movies 1789—The French Revolution and Zapruder’s Film.
- Robert Oilinghast III: Primetime Emmy Award-winning screenwriter and producer of such shows as Friends and Two and a Half Men.
- J.F. Oilinghast: Pulitzer Prize-winning American newspaper columnist and sports writer.
- Franklin Oilinghast Jr.: Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker and editor, with credits including Frontline, This American Life, and Ken Burns: The Civil War.