Surname Schuldes - Meaning and Origin
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Schuldes: What does the surname Schuldes mean?
The last name Schuldes is a German surname derived from the Old German word “schuld” meaning “debt” or “obligation”. The name originated from a particular family, or clan, that lived in what is now Germany at the time of the Middle Ages. It is believed that the particular clan took the surname to signify their particular family’s courage and willingness to take on a debt or obligation in order to protect their people. Although it is not known exactly when the Schuldes surname was first adopted, records exist of a noble family from the region that bore the name dating back to around the 14th century.
The modern day meaning of the surname Schuldes sees it more as a sign of responsibility and reliability. It has come to be used to express the idea of being a person who is able to take on the responsibility of things in their community or even in others lives. The modern interpretation suggests that by taking on the burden, or “schuld”, of a particular problem or situation, you are able to achieve a positive outcome.
In essence, the last name Schuldes is meant to represent a person’s sense of responsibility and reliability, and the willingness to take on obligations in order to help others. Those who bear the Schuldes name can feel proud of their pedigree and the respectable origins of this well known German surname.
Order DNA origin analysisSchuldes: Where does the name Schuldes come from?
The last name Schuldes is primarily a German surname, but it is also found commonly in Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway. It is also scattered around the globe, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
In Germany, the surname has roots in both the Old German and Middle High German words, meaning ‘debt’ and ‘charge’ respectively. Consequently, it is assumed that the name Schuldes originates from those who worked as tax collectors or debt collectors.
In Denmark, the surname Schuldes is found mainly around the Jutland peninsula, with some branches further north in Funen County. In Norway, it is far less common; there are only a few hundred people with the last name Schuldes.
Within the United States, the surname Schuldes is most prominent in Pennsylvania and in neighboring states such as New Jersey, West Virginia, New York, and Delaware. Of course, people of Northern European descent can also be found in California, Oregon, and other states with large migrant populations.
Altogether, the last name Schuldes is the most common in Germany, Denmark, and the states along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. It may be less populous in other parts of the world, but with its German and Nordic roots, the surname Schuldes still resonates on a global scale.
Variations of the surname Schuldes
The surname Schuldes has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variant of the surname Schuldes is the spelling Schulte. This is a German and Dutch occupational name for a village judge or local government official. It is derived from the Middle High German schultê or schultheis which means ‘judge’ or ‘sheriff’.
Another variant spelling of the surname Schuldes is Schultz, often spelled with two Ts rather than one. This is the same name as Schulte but with an extra ‘t’ added to the end of the name. It is derived from the same Middle High German word and was a name given to a judge or magistrate.
Shoultz is a variant of Schuldes. This spelling is mainly used in the United States, and is derived from the Germanic and Dutch Schulte. It is an occupational name for an administrator or judge in a small town or village.
Schultis is another variant spelling of Schuldes, and is derived from the same Germanic and Dutch name. This spelling is often used in North America.
Smith is another variant spelling of Schuldes. This spelling is derived from the occupation of blacksmith or similar metalworker, and is not directly related to the Germanic Schuldes.
Finally, Schultheiss is a variant spelling of Schuldes, and is derived directly from the same Middle High German name. This spelling is mainly used in Austria.
In summary, Schuldes is the original spelling of the surname, and has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is the spelling Schulte, followed by Schultz, Shoultz, Schultis, Smith, and Schultheiss. All of these variants are derived from the Germanic and Dutch surname, however Smith is not directly related to the Germanic spelling, but instead comes from the occupation of blacksmith or metalworker.
Famous people with the name Schuldes
- Rüdiger Schuldes, German footballer
- Hermann Schuldes, German-born American wrestler
- Andrew Schuldes, American musician
- Ekkehard Schuldes, German philologist and mediaevalist
- Heinz Schuldes, German luger
- Hartmut Schuldes, German football coach
- Franz Schuldes, German Catholic theologian
- Sylvester Schuldes, German actor
- Volker Schuldes, German politician
- Dirk Schuldes, German football coach and manager
- Klaus Schuldes, German radio presenter
- Günter Schuldes, German football player
- Gerd Schuldes, German sports shooter
- Georg Schuldes, German photographer and film producer
- Lothar Schuldes, German rower
- Carola Schuldes, German radio presenter
- Irmtraud Schuldes, German singer and music teacher
- Jürgen Schuldes, German astronomer
- Gerhard Schuldes, German successful skipper on oceans
- Adam Schuldes, American film director