Surname Overath - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Overath: What does the surname Overath mean?
The last name Overath is derived from Germanic origins and is likely a combination of two words - the word "ovo" meaning "above" and the word "rada" meaning "council." The name likely originated in the Middle Ages as a way to describe someone who held a high position of authority in a village or area. The name Overath is associated with a sense of dignity, reliability, and competence, as well as a commitment to those around them.
The name Overath is quite popular in parts of Germany and was even the name given to a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It could be that a notable individual or ancestor from the area was given the name as an honor or distinction.
Today, those with the last name Overath are likely widely viewed as reliable, wise, and good-hearted individuals. They may possess a strong sense of justice and leadership and may be driven to create better structures and rules for those around them. Their commitment to justice and fairness is likely to be a benefit to many.
Overall, the last name Overath is indicative of a high sense of responsibility, commitment, and leadership that is likely to be of great benefit to their community or environment. Those with the last name Overath are likely to be admired and respected for their sense of justice and fairness.
Order DNA origin analysisOverath: Where does the name Overath come from?
The last name Overath is most prevalent in Germany, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is also common in parts of Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. It is thought to be a variation of the surname Oberländer, which is an old German term referring to a person from the mountains.
The name Overath is derived from the German surname Ober meaning "upper," and -ath or -ahd, which was typically added to geographical names. Since its origin, the name has spread through various parts of Europe, most likely through migration and intermarriage.
In more recent times, the name Overath has been used in the United States, especially in the Midwest, suggesting that some of the original emigrants took their name with them. For instance, it is quite common in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where early German settlers settled in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Overall, the last name Overath is most prevalent in northern and central Europe. However, its presence can be seen in various parts of the world, particularly the United States, as a result of emigration from the Old World.
Variations of the surname Overath
The surname Overath has a variety of spellings, surnames, and variants with the same origin. These include Oberhardt, Oeveroth, Oberath, Oberhard, Oberharde, and Oeverard.
Oberhardt is an Old German name that originated in the northwest of modern day Germany. It means ‘from the high strength’ or ‘from the upper hard’. The Overath variant likely derived from this spelling.
The spelling Oeveroth is defined similarly; it signifies a ‘strong’ or ‘hard’ place in the North German region. It originated in the north of modern-day Germany and is derived from the Overath spelling.
Another close variation is Oberath, derived from the German name Ober. This Old German name means ‘high’ and is likely derived from the Overath spelling.
The Oberhard spelling likely originated in France from the Overath variant. Oberhard is the French variation of the Old German name Oberaich definition ‘high strength’. It is derived from the Overath variant.
Oberharde is yet another variation, which originated from a combination of the German words Ober and Ahart meaning high strength.
The final variant, Oeverard, is derived from the combination of the Old German words Oever meaning high and Aard meaning powerful.
In conclusion, all of these spellings, surnames, and variants have the same origin in the northwest of modern-day Germany from the Old German ‘Ober’ meaning high. The variations derive from the combination of German words to create expressions of strength.
Famous people with the name Overath
- Klaus Overath: Klaus Overath was a German football player (soccer) and manager. He spent most of his playing career at 1. FC Köln after transferring from Bayer Leverkusen in 1964. He won the European Cup twice during the 1970s, with a number of other major honours in Germany and Europe.
- Ingo Overath: Ingo Overath was a German footballer and manager who played most of his career for 1. FC Köln. He also managed the side between 1983 and 1987, was capped 25 times for the German national team, and scored a winning goal in the Euro 1976 final.
- Lothar Overath: Lothar Overath was a German footballer who spent most of his career with 1. FC Köln. He was a key figure in their success during the 1960s, winning two Bundesliga titles and the German Cup. He also won an Olympic gold medal with the West German side in 1972, and made 32 caps for the German national team.
- Cristina Overath: Cristina Overath is a German sports journalist, working mainly for ARD broadcasting services. She has presented coverage of the Olympic Games and she is a respected television personality in Germany.
- Klaus Overath II: Klaus Overath II is a German racing driver and Formula One test driver. He tested for BMW and Toro Rosso in 2009 and 2010 and is currently an official driver for Red Bull.