Surname Löhdorf - Meaning and Origin
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Löhdorf: What does the surname Löhdorf mean?
The surname Löhdorf is a German and Scandinavian name of origin. It is composed of two elements: Löh (a man-made body of water) and dorf (small settlement). It is presumed to have been applied as a toponymic name to denote someone who was associated with a body of water and a small settlement.
In Germany, the Löhdorf surname to this day is associated primarily with Bavaria and Thuringia. It may also be found in other Germanic speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland, however, it is much less common in these regions.
The earliest known record of the surname was dated to about 1210 in what is now known as modern day Tiefenbach, Bavaria. It is believed that the name was passed through generations, likely because the geographic region was small and close-knit.
What unifies those carrying the Löhdorf surname is their devotion to their families, friends, and communities – all of which, for centuries, shared the same Germanic values.
Though the name may bring to mind images of small villages and open waterways, those who carry the Löhdorf surname are found all around the world today – and serve an array of roles in their communities.
Overall, the name Löhdorf is a reminder of German and Scandinavian customs and values. It evokes a sense of tradition, resilience, and communion. It signifies a history rooted in familial love and social kindness.
Order DNA origin analysisLöhdorf: Where does the name Löhdorf come from?
The Löhdorf family first appeared in Germany centuries ago. Today, the last name is still relatively common, primarily in northern Germany and the surrounding regions. The highest concentration of Löhdorf families is mostly concentrated in the state of Schleswig-Holstein and the surrounding area, as well as in the northern provinces of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia.
According to genealogical records, Löhdorf families can be traced back to the 13th century in Lower Saxony, when the name arose from the neighboring townships of Laidorf and Löhden. The name was first identified and documented in the year 1303, specifically in the Ahausen parish records.
Around the turn of the 20th century, several families with the last name Löhdorf emigrated from their homes in lower Germany to other parts of the world. Today, the name Löhdorf appears in countries like Austria, Poland, England, and the United States. It is likely that there are even more Löhdorf families living all around the world, many of whom may not even be aware of their ancestral connections to the northeastern regions of Germany.
Variations of the surname Löhdorf
The surname Löhdorf is of German origin, and translates roughly to “Lodge-village” in English. Variants and alternate spellings of this surname include Löhden, Löddorf, Löhder, Lödde, Lödder, Löhdern, Loeder, Loedere, Loederf, Loeders, Loehdorf, Loedorf, Loedorff, Lohdorf, Lohden, Lohdorff, Lohdern, Lohders, Lohdenf, Lohdenfe, Löden, Lödn, Löhding, and Löding. All of these variations are derived from the same surname.
Most of the variants of the surname Löhdorf have changed form over time as a result of geographical, political, linguistic, and social changes. For example, the spelling of Löhdorf became Löhding and eventually Löding in North America, likely as a result of changes in pronunciation as well as changes in spelling conventions over time. In the Netherlands, some forms of the surname have changed to the spelling “Löden.”
The variants of Löhdorf are associated with various regions in central and eastern Europe, including Germany, Poland, and the former Kingdom of Prussia. The variants Löhding, Löhder, and Lödder are particularly associated with Westphalia and Silesia, while the variant Löden is particularly associated with the Netherlands.
Some of the surnames that are variants or derivations of Löhdorf have evolved into surnames in their own right. For example, Löhding is the surname of a Dutch sculptor, P. J. Löhding, and Löden is the surname of a Dutch novelist, Rob Löden.
Overall, the surname Löhdorf and its variants are rooted in Germanic lands, and are associated with various regions in Europe. The variants of the surname have evolved over time as a result of various changes, and some, such as Löhding and Löden, have developed into surnames in their own right.
Famous people with the name Löhdorf
- Nicolai Löhdorf: Danish photographer and cinematographer.
- Mogens Löhdorf: Danish chess player, represented Denmark in a number of international chess tournaments.
- Max Löhdorf: Danish painter and sculptor, known for his abstract expressionist works.
- Hjalmar Löhdorf: Norwegian-born astrophysicist, credited with being the first to theorize that stars form from condensing clouds of interstellar gas.
- Aksel Löhdorf: Norwegian author and playwright, his works include the plays “The Ancient City” and “The Exile of Bergman”.
- Viktor Löhdorf: German painter, primarily known for his works of portraiture and landscapes of the northern Alps.
- David Löhdorf: Swedish actor, best known for appearing in the early 2000s Swedish mini-series “Strömstad”.
- Sofie Löhdorf: Danish competitive rower, who represented Denmark at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.
- Lars Löhdorf: Norwegian composer and conductor, considered a major influence on the modern classical music scene.
- Joakim Löhdorf: Swedish archaeologist, specializing in rock carvings from the Stone Age.