Surname Penndorf - Meaning and Origin
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Penndorf: What does the surname Penndorf mean?
The last name Penndorf is an Old High German name that is derived from the word Penn, which means 'pen' or 'peninsula'. It most likely refers to someone who came from a small peninsula within a larger land mass or river. This geographical origin suggests that the people who carried this name may have been traders by the riverside or perhaps lived near a river as boat builders or fishermen.
The name Penndorf has seen a lot of variation over time, have been seen as Penndorff, Pennorf and Pennendorf. It is also argued that the name may be related to the personal name Pandolf, a diminutive of the Germanic pant, which referred to a type of wolf. It could thus be a nickname used to describe a brave and strong person.
Regardless of its origin, the name Penndorf has spread geographically to countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada where someone of this surname could be found.
In the United States and Australia, the Penndorf surname is most commonly associated with German origins but during the Soviet occupation of East Germany after World War II, many refugees fled to the west and this surname may very well have been taken with them.
Due to its long and varied history, the Penndorf surname remains popular today. It is still found in many places around the world, having travelled a long way from its origins and the people who proudly carry it continue to keep the name alive.
Order DNA origin analysisPenndorf: Where does the name Penndorf come from?
The last name Penndorf is most common in Germany, particularly in the states of Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein. In Bavaria, the largest concentration of persons with the Penndorf surname is located in the counties of Neu Ulster and Untersprectohen. In Schleswig-Holstein, Penndorf is more widespread, with the highest numbers of people with this surname found in the counties of Friedrichstadt, Kappeln, and Eckernforde. Penndorf is not a particularly common surname outside of Germany, but is also found in the United States. In the United States, most of the individuals with the last name Penndorf are descendants of German settlers who immigrated in the mid-1800s. There is also a significant concentration of persons with the name Penndorf in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Additionally, there are a few individuals with the name Penndorf scattered among countries such as Brazil, Switzerland, France, and Norway.
Variations of the surname Penndorf
The surname Penndorf is an old German and Austrian surname stemming from the Middle High German word “pfandorf”, meaning "enclosed estate". It is most common in Central and Eastern Europe.
Variations in spelling of this family name include “Pendorf”, “Pfandorf”, “Pfundtorff”, “Penn'dorf”, and “Pander”. Surnames with similar origins to Penndorf include “Penhoff”, “Penheur”, and “Pennewar”.
One of the earliest documented bearers of the surname was Johann Heinrich Penndorf, born in 1617 in what is now Germany. He was a prominent cultural figure in the region and is said to have introduced tobacco smoking to the area.
In the United States, the surname is most prevalent in Pennsylvania. One of the first settlers of the area to bear the name was Johann Nikolaus Penndorf who arrived in America from Germany in 1743.
Today, the surname is shared by many people across Central and Eastern Europe, the United States, and even in other parts of the world. It continues to be used as a mark of regional pride amongst its many associated families.
Famous people with the name Penndorf
- Stephanie Penndorf: German author best known for her fantasy-adventure books for children
- Brian Penndorf: American film producer, director and screenwriter, mainly known for his work on musicals and comedies
- Bill Penndorf: American theatre director and actor, most known for his roles in various Broadway productions
- Chris Penndorf: Australian pianist, composer and arranger of classical, jazz, and folk music
- Paul Penndorf: Austrian painter and sculptor, most known for his expressionist portraits
- Alan Penndorf: British actor and stand-up comedian, best known for his roles in comedy films
- John Penndorf: American graphic designer and visual artist, whose work includes illustrations and posters
- Paul Penndorf: American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who is known for his blend of folk and country music
- Joe Penndorf: Canadian climber and mountaineer, who is renowned for his first altitude records on mountain ranges
- John Penndorf: German athlete, specializing in long-distance running, marathon and ekiden races