Surname Güldenpfennig - Meaning and Origin

Güldenpfennig: What does the surname Güldenpfennig mean?

The last name Güldenpfennig originated in Germany and is derived from the German compound word Gul(d)-den-Pfennig, consisting of the elements gulden (‘gold-coloured’), den (‘the’) and Pfennig (‘small coin’). It can be translated as ‘Gold-Coin’ and is likely to have been given in the Middle Ages to someone who had made lots of money that was comparable to a small gold-coin. Thus, the last name Güldenpfennig was probably originally a nickname for a prosperous person.

The Güldenpfennig family likely originated from the northern German states of Lower Saxony and the former Prussian Province of Westphalia. Today, the last name is relatively rare and in most cases, is still found in Germany. Some Güldenpfennig immigrants can also be found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Since the end of the 19th century, many members of the Güldenpfennig family have become successful businessmen, entrepreneurs or business leaders. Some members of the family have also distinguished themselves in other fields such as politics, science, sports, or entertainment.

To wrap up, the last name Güldenpfennig has a distinct meaning of ‘Gold-Coin’ and likely originated as a nickname for a wealthy person. This family is mostly found in German-speaking countries, but some members of the family are now found elsewhere. Many Güldenpfennig family members have been successful in business or achieved excellence in other fields.

Güldenpfennig: Where does the name Güldenpfennig come from?

The last name Güldenpfennig is a German surname. It is most common in Germany, where it ranks as the 843rd most common name, with roughly 7,400 people bearing the surname. It is especially popular in the region of Rhineland-Palatinate, where it ranks as the 243rd most common name.

Güldenpfennig is also common in Austria, where it is the 688th most common name, although less so than in Germany. In Switzerland, the name Güldenpfennig is ranked 3,080th out of all last names.

Beyond German-speaking countries, Güldenpfennig is also found in the United States and Canada; the name is ranked 6,850th and 22,381st in the United States and Canada, respectively. In the Netherlands, the name is represented in the top 15,000 last names, ranking 12,811th.

Overall, the last name Güldenpfennig is most popular in German-speaking countries, notably Germany and Austria, but Güldenpfennig is also represented in other countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Güldenpfennig

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Güldenpfennig include Goeldenpfennig, Goeldenpenning, Gouldenpfennig, Gouldenpenning, Goldenpfennig, and Goldenpenning. These surnames can originate from either Germany or Low Countries in Northern Europe and may be confined to German-speaking countries or scattered farther afield.

Güldenpfennig is a German surname meaning ‘golden penny.’ The root of this surname, Gülden, is found in words meaning ‘gold’ or ‘golden’ in German. It is used to refer to coins of value such as pennies, ducats, and groschen, which were originally made of gold. The Pfennig is a German unit of currency, equal to a quarter of a penny or 1/100th of a Mark.

Goeldenpfennig is a variant of Güldenpfennig and combines the words ‘Goelden’ and ‘Pfennig’ to mean ‘gold penny’. Goeldenpenning is a Low Countries version of the same, which means ‘gold penny’ as well. Gouldenpfennig and Gouldenpenning are variants of Goeldenpfennig and Goeldenpenning and are used more often in Low Countries rather than German-speaking countries.

Goldenpfennig and Goldenpenning are English variants of the surname, which refer to the same root meaning of ‘gold penny’ as their German variants. These English spellings are more commonly used in countries with English-speaking populations, such as the United States of America.

Famous people with the name Güldenpfennig

• Teresina Güldenpfennig: Teresina Güldenpfennig is a German opera singer known for her roles in Franco Zeffirelli's production of "Carmen" and many other popular productions. She has performed extensively throughout Europe as well as on Broadway in the United States.
• Julius Güldenpfennig: Julius Güldenpfennig is a German businessman and president of the Volkswagen Foundation. He has served as vice-president of various companies and organizations, and has published books on business leadership and strategies.
• Ingo Güldenpfennig: Ingo Güldenpfennig is a German entrepreneur and software developer. He is the former CEO of the mobile app company AppPlant and is currently the CEO of music streaming platform, WiMP.
• Lauryn Güldenpfennig: Lauryn Güldenpfennig is a German actress, best known for her roles in the TV shows Türkisch für Anfänger and Campus.
• Dirk Güldenpfennig: Dirk Güldenpfennig is a German politician and was a member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019. He is currently vice-chairman of the European People’s Party and leader of the German "Free Democratic Party".
• Thorsten Güldenpfennig: Thorsten Güldenpfennig is a German entrepreneur and founder of the Weltbild publishing house. He has authored various books focused on digital trends and strategies in business and economics.
• Harry Güldenpfennig: Harry Güldenpfennig is a German actor best known for his lead role in the 2016 movie Never stop Dreaming. He has also appeared in several television shows such as Berliner Pflaumenszene and Unser Charly.

Other surnames

Güldenpfenning