Surname Pfennigwerth - Meaning and Origin

Pfennigwerth: What does the surname Pfennigwerth mean?

The last name Pfennigwerth is derived from German and is composed of two words, ‘Pfennig’ and ‘Werth.’ The first part of the name, Pfennig, can be translated to ‘penny’ and has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to a German coin. As such, the last name Pfennigwerth implies the possession of a coin or coins.

The second part of the name, Werth, is derived from an old German verb that means ‘to value’ or ‘to worth’ and is closely related to the modern German verb ‘werten’, which literally means ‘to value’. Together, the last name Pfennigwerth literally translated to ‘one who values a penny’ and implies the person was seen as one who was frugal or thrift in their ways. In fact, in some documents, the name appears as ‘Pfennigwert’, which implies that the bearer was perceived to value every penny they had or spend.

Overall, the last name Pfennigwerth is a great reflection of the thrifty values which were espoused by theMiddles Ages. Someone with this last name might be viewed as a person of great responsibility and reluctance to spend recklessly, suggesting that the family had the same values which were passed through the generations.

Pfennigwerth: Where does the name Pfennigwerth come from?

The last name Pfennigwerth is a rare last name throughout Europe and the world today. It is most prevalent in the area of Germany, where its origin is believed to be. The name is thought to have derived from the Old German word “pfenning” for penny, and “werth” meaning “worth” or “value.” Therefore, the name Pfennigwerth is translated to mean “penny worth” or “of value.”

The last name Pfennigwerth is most common in the state of Brandenburg, located in East Germany near the nation’s capital of Berlin. This area is also where the first documentation of the surname dates back to the 17th century. It was used as an occupational name, due to the necessity for skilled money handlers and tradespeople involved in exchanging currency during that time period. German nobility, like those who lived in the castle of Rabenstein, often used this title to identify the servants employed in their households.

In addition to its presence in Germany, people with the last name Pfennigwerth are also found in the United States and other countries with a large German-speaking population. In the US, the name is most common in the states of Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all of which have historically been settled by German immigrants.

The last name Pfennigwerth still holds the same meaning it did centuries ago. The people who carry it today are proud of their heritage and the skills associated with the trade that gave their family its name.

Variations of the surname Pfennigwerth

Pfennigwerth is an old Germanic surname of disputed origin, having two variants, spellings and related surnames. It derives from the first name ‘Fennig’ or from a location of similar sounding and spelling– such as in the village of Fennigwerth– which lies in the region of the Lower Elbe near a Roman fort.

Pfennigwert and Fennigewerth are the two main variants of the surname. While the former is the most common spelling in Germany, Fennigwerth is more common in other countries such as the United States, due to immigration and name change during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The spelling of Pfennigwerth can also be shortened to ‘Pfennig’ or ‘Fennig’. Similarly, there are close derivatives of the name such as ‘Pfrengle’, ‘Pfringer’, ‘Pfeingewerth’, ‘Pfennigswert’, ‘Fenningwerth’, ‘Fenningwert’, and ‘Fenninger’.

The surname is also linked the surname “Fenninger”, which is derived from the old German given name “Fenniger”, which is derived from “Fennig” or “Fenning”. The Fenninger surname is particularly common in southern Germany in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg and in the Central German states of Thuringia and Saxony.

The Pfennigwerth family is most represented in Germany and the United States, with other members being located in various parts of Europe, South America, and elsewhere around the world.

Famous people with the name Pfennigwerth

• Christian Pfennigwerth: professional football player for Northwoods Barons and German National Football Club and winner of three league championships.
• Kenneth Pfennigwerth: Hollywood producer and television director.
• Jake Pfennigwerth: Technology Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, founder of several start-ups including media outlet Cinecast.
• Ariana Pfennigwerth: Emmy-nominated journalist and television host.
• Charles Pfennigwerth: Chemist and Nobel Laureate, best known for his research into developing sustainable energy sources.
• Elisabeth Pfennigwerth: Musician and singer-songwriter, published several albums and composed music for numerous films.
• Nicole Pfennigwerth: Executive Director of the Environment California organization, pushing for environmental protection and clean energy.
• Stephen Pfennigwerth: Notable businessman and philanthropist in the San Francisco Bay Area and board member of numerous non-profit organizations.
• Jamie Pfennigwerth: Internationally recognized surf life saver and coach and motivational speaker.
• Simon Pfennigwerth: Professional Chef and author of the critically acclaimed cookbook, The Pfennigwerth Kitchen.

Other surnames

Pfennigwert