Surname Unfericht - Meaning and Origin
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Unfericht: What does the surname Unfericht mean?
The last name Unfericht is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German ‘unvericht’, which means ‘that which is not beneficial’ or ‘not profitable’. This name likely evolved from the early name-givers wanting to stress caution when it came to taking risks.
The earliest record of Unfericht is found in Germany, in the state of Bavaria, in 1269, in the form of a man named Ulrich Unvericht. Early documents also reference people carrying this name, including a Hessian knight named Keno von Unvericht, who served in the Emperor’s army in 1430.
It is believed that the Unfericht surname spread through migration throughout Germany and nearby countries, including Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, the name has also been known to appear in Silesia and Thuringia regions. It is speculated that ‘Unfericht’ could have been a nickname or nickname-type surname, as some records suggest the name held by primarily female individuals (the female version being the name Unfirichtin).
The name Unfericht is still found today, both in Germany and other countries experiencing immigration from German-speaking nations. Today, the name is mostly concentrated in Germany and Switzerland, and it is known that many of those with the name Unfericht are descendants of the original bearer(s).
Order DNA origin analysisUnfericht: Where does the name Unfericht come from?
The last name Unfericht is not particularly common today, originating in parts of Northern Germany and Austria during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is unclear which exact region is most associated with this surname as the name Unfericht is not used widely throughout Europe today. Records indicate that the last name might have originated in East Prussia, which was formerly part of the German Empire.
The 19th century population censuses for Prussia have been partially preserved, which makes it possible to trace the name Unfericht. Historically, the name Unfericht has been located in the West Prussian areas around Dirschau, Marienwerder and Flatow in the Province of West Prussia, now part of the Polish warmian-mazurskie region.
In recent years, the surname has become increasingly rare in Europe. The last name is now more commonly found in the United States than in Europe. Records show that the number of Unfericht’s living in the United States is approximately 600, spread across four states (one in Texas, two in Illinois, one in Wisconsin). The most popular place for Unfericht’s living in the United States is Houston, Texas, where about 200 individuals live.
In general, the last name Unfericht is not overly common today, however, it can be found throughout portions of Europe and the United States. Since the name has remained largely concentrated within the same family lines, historically, the best way to find Unfericht’s living today is to look for ancestral links in areas where the surname originated.
Variations of the surname Unfericht
Unfericht is an uncommon German-origin surname found mostly in Germany and Austria. It is likely derived from the Middle High German word "unfericit," meaning "unhappy."
Various alternatives and spellings of Unfericht exist, all sharing the same origin. Some of the most common variants are Unfried, Unfriidt, Unfreidt, and Uhnfrid. Additionally, Unfricht, Unfred, Uhnfried, and Unforcht are sometimes seen.
Surnames related to Unfericht are Unfreit and Unfreith, and Unfrioth and Unfroth. Unfreih, Unfreihs, Unfraih, Unfrain, and Unfraint are also related. Unferiht, Unfercht, Anfrit, Unferith, and Anfricht are occasionally seen.
Overall, Unfericht is a rare surname that belongs to a small group of variants and related surnames. It likely originated from the Middle High German word "unfericit," which translates to "unhappy." Spellings often vary but all carry the same origin.
Famous people with the name Unfericht
- Jack Unferth: American poet and essayist
- Charles Unferth: Canadian-American short story writer
- Bill Unferth: American political science professor
- Ralph Unferth: Former District Commissioner of Hausa in Northern Nigeria
- Abraham Unferth: 18th-century Austrian orientalist and linguist
- Johann Unferth: 19th-century German engineer
- Richard Unferth: English classical scholar
- Karl Unferth: German diplomat and mayor of Flensburg
- Paul Unferth: American bullfighter
- Clara Unferth: American author and professor
- Justin Unferth: American fiction writer