Surname Opfergelt - Meaning and Origin

Opfergelt: What does the surname Opfergelt mean?

The last name Opfergelt is a German surname of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Slavic root words "opfer" meaning "sacrifice" and "gelt" meaning "payment". Taken together, the name could therefore be translated to "payment for a sacrifice".

The earliest recorded instance of this surname is in a fifteenth century record from Nuremberg. In this document, a family of "Opfergelt" is referred to as a family of merchants. This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with trade and commerce. However, as time progressed, it is likely that the name changed in meaning and came to represent a symbolic offering or sacrifice, especially among religious communities.

Today, the name Opfergelt is still found in its original German form, and also in various derivative forms including complex spelling variations. It is also found in countries such as the United States, where it has been adopted by immigrants from Germany who relocated to the country during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The name Opfergelt and its various derivatives continue to be used by families of various cultural and religious backgrounds around the world, and still carries with it the symbolic or literal meaning of "payment for a sacrifice".

Opfergelt: Where does the name Opfergelt come from?

The last name Opfergelt is most common in present-day Germany and Luxembourg, across parts of Switzerland, and in scattered areas of France, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands. It is also found in other countries across the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In terms of Germany, the name is especially concentrated in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, clustered around the cities of Aachen, Bonn, and Cologne.

The origin of the last name Opfergelt is German, and comes from a composition of two words which mean ‘gift’ (Opfer) and ‘payment’ (Gelt). The name first appeared in official records during the Middle Ages, initially referring to a person who was involved in some kind of ‘payment exchange’. It might refer to a merchant who received payments, or someone appointed to distribute gifts in a village or settlement.

Over time, the meaning of the name evolved to denote a level of wealth and privilege. It was most common among nobles, becoming a widely accepted status symbol for families of high social ranking. Today, the last name Opfergelt continues to be seen as a mark of nobility and prestige.

Variations of the surname Opfergelt

The Opfergelt surname is of German origin, and has several different variants, spellings, and surnames derived from the original name. The primary variant is Oppfergelt, which is primarily found among German-speaking people throughout Europe. Other variants include Opfergel, Oppfergeld, and Op Berger.

The other surnames derived from the original Opfergelt surname are Oppgelt, Oppgol, Obfergel, Obergeld, and Op Berger. Many of these variants can also be found among German-speaking people in Europe. It is difficult to trace the origin of the surname, as it is often used interchangeably with variants and other surnames of a similar origin.

The surname might also originate from the word 'Opfer', which is an old German word meaning 'sacrifice'. A closely related surname is Opferkuch, which translates to 'sacrifice cup'. This suggests a possible connection between the surname Opfergelt and the notion of sacrifice.

In addition, other surnames in other languages may have evolved from the original Opfergelt surname. These include Oppererst in Dutch, Oppagoltz in Yiddish, Opferzeld in Slovenian, and Oppfeld in Scandinavian languages.

In conclusion, Opfergelt is an old German surname with many different variants, spellings, and surnames derived from it. It is difficult to trace the origin of the surname, but it is often associated with the notion of sacrifice. Additionally, there are other surnames in different languages which may have originated from the Opfergelt surname.

Famous people with the name Opfergelt

• Martin Opfergelt: Belgian professional road cyclist
• Anna Opfergelt: German figure skater
• Nathan Opfergelt: American college football coach
• Jiri Opfergelt: Czech basketball player
• Kirsten Opfergelt: Dutch Paralympic Swimmer
• Florentina Opfergelt: German field hockey player
• Pascal Opfergelt: Belgian professional footballer
• Clare Opfergelt: Canadian sport shooter
• Alina Opfergelt: German professional tennis player
• Anemone Opfergelt: German skier

Other surnames

Opfergeld