Surname Frieauff - Meaning and Origin
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Frieauff: What does the surname Frieauff mean?
The last name Frieauff has German origins, derived from the Middle High German name Freyauf. The literal translation of the name is “free lord.” This indicates that the family was prominent at some point, as they had some degree of wealth or titles associated with them. The name could also suggest that the family was part of the nobility.
The earliest recorded mention of the name dates to 1219, where it appears in a document as the personal name of a religious figure. Common jobs associated with people who bore this name included apothecary, baker, brewer, and miller. It is also thought that bearers of the surname were also involved in the trade of fur and whisky.
Frieauff is still a popular surname in present-day Germany. Today, many with the name are still involved in the brewing and distilling industries. Other common occupational choices have shifted from those of the past to professions like engineering, law, architecture, and business.
Despite the name’s long history, its true origin and meaning remains a mystery. It is speculated that since the name was given to a religious figure during the Middle Ages, it could be derived from a combination of the words “frey” which is an old German word for prince, and “auf” which means high. Thus, the name could have been given to someone who was viewed as a free lord.
Order DNA origin analysisFrieauff: Where does the name Frieauff come from?
The last name Frieauff is still common today, particularly in the United States. According to the MyHeritage records, this surname originated in Germany, but its presence has spread to many other countries throughout the world. In the US, the states most commonly associated with the Frieauff surname are Pennslyvania, Maryland, and Illinois. In Pennsylvania, most Frieauff's can be found in Philadelphia, York, Northampton, and Berks counties. In Maryland, the largest concentration of this family name is around Baltimore. And in Illinois, the highest number of citizens with the last name Frieauff are in Cook County.
The census numbers from 2020 report that there are over 400 citizens in the US who carry the last name Frieauff. While this is a relatively small number compared to other surnames, this number has grown significantly since the 2000 census. With the internet and advancements in communication, it is likely that the Frieauff surname will continue to spread outside of the US as more people travel the world.
Outside of the US, the countries where the highest population of people with the last name Frieauff are Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Within these countries, people with this surname can be found in the larger cities such as Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, and Basel.
In conclusion, the last name Frieauff is still common in the United States and a handful of other countries. Through the power of technology, the presence of this surname is likely to continue to spread around the world.
Variations of the surname Frieauff
Frieauff is a German surname of German origin, sometimes spelled Friauf. Variations or alternative spellings of the name include Friaouf, Freauff, Fréauff, and Freiauf. Other surnames of the same origin include Freauf, Freyauf, Fröauf, and Freiouff.
The common variant of Friauff may be derived from two possible sources. First, it could originate from the German “Fried” or “Friede” (meaning peace, joy, or contentment). Second, it might have its roots in the Low German “Frau” or “Fraw” (meaning woman).
The Friauff surname often appears alongside place names in records such as baptismal documents. For example, in a document from 1543, Mathias Freauf is associated with the location Freihausen near Trossingen in Wurttemberg.
Frieauff is an occupational surname dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have been adopted by those who worked in elevations, such as mountains or hills. German for climbs or ascents, "Frieauff" has been passed down for centuries and is most likely of Bavarian-Swabian origin.
In addition to its main variant, the surname Frieauff is also seen in extended forms, such as Friauff-Bruner, Friauff-Kammler, and Frieauff-Gutpfaff. Studies of the name date back to a document from the Middle Ages in which a Jorger Frieauff was mentioned. The earliest records of the surname can be found in the German states of Bavaria, Hesse, Thuringia, and Sachsen.
Overall, the surname Friauff is of German origin, with many variations of spelling and extension. Its traditional meaning refers to climbs or ascents, and it is a surname that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Famous people with the name Frieauff
- Mark Frieauff: Actor who has played roles in various films and television shows, including ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.
- Alex Frieauff: Professional American Football defensive end, who has played for both the Buffalo Bills and the Carolina Panthers.
- Richard Frieauff: Acclaimed director, writer and producer, who is known for his work on the 2012 Oscar-winning movie ‘Silver Linings Playbook’.
- Jack Frieauff: Professional baseball player who spent six years in the Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox.
- Catherine Frieauff: French soprano and performing artist, who has sung in renowned music festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival.
- Nathan Frieauff: Professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour.
- Jamaal Frieauff: R&B singer-songwriter and producer, who has collaborated with various artists, such as Justin Timberlake and Mary J. Blige.
- Sarahanne Frieauff: Television host and reporter, who is currently working for ABC News in New York City.
- Keith Frieauff: Adventurer and outdoor enthusiast, who has made appearances on the NBC television show 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition'. 10.Thomas Frieauff: Comedian and actor, who has been featured in multiple films such as ‘We’re the Millers’ and ‘The Break-Up’.