Surname Löwlein - Meaning and Origin
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Löwlein: What does the surname Löwlein mean?
The surname Löwlein is most commonly found in Germany, where it is believed to have originated. The name is derived from two distinct roots both coming from the German language. The first part, ‘Löwe’ means lion; while ‘lein’ means something small or dimunitive. As such, the likely original meaning of Löwlein is ‘little lion’, indicating a combination of strength and gentleness in the composition of an individual's character.
The prevalence of the surname Löwlein indicates its iconic representation of a strong, yet modest person—a quality found in many German figures throughout history. One example is Otto Löwlein, a poet and politician who was notably responsible for bringing Schiller’s works to the public eye in the early 19th century.
Overall, the surname Löwlein is associated with courage, loyalty, and strength, albeit within a humble demeanor. It exemplifies the well known German virtues of doing one's best, regardless of acclaim or publicity. In today’s society, the surname can be seen as an encouragement to strive for personal and professional success, without compromising the values and traditions of one’s culture.
Order DNA origin analysisLöwlein: Where does the name Löwlein come from?
The last name Löwlein is most commonly found in Germany. It is German in origin, and is believed to be derived from the German word "lewe," which means lion. It is also found in parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. The name first appeared in records in the 15th century, in Germany.
In Germany, Löwlein is quite widespread, with people of the surname found especially in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. The most popular regional variant is Löwe. Elsewhere in Central Europe, the name Löwlein is encountered less frequently, although people bearing this name can also be found in other countries, such as the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Hungary.
In the United States, Löwlein began appearing in the records from the early 1900s as arrivals from Central Europe. Today, most Löwlein's live on the East Coast and in the Midwest in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia.
Over the years, this surname has seen some spelling variations, such as Lowlein, Loewlein, Loewline, Loewlin, and Löwel, among others.
Variations of the surname Löwlein
The surname Löwlein is derived from the Germanic word “loh” meaning “forest”. The surname was originally used to signify someone who owned, lived or worked in forest land or in a wooded area. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin are; Loewlein, Liebelle, Loewel, Lowelle, Lowel, Löwle, Löwel, Löweler, Löwelmann, Löwenthal, Löwlette, Löwen, Löwener, Löwenberger, Löwenreich, Löwenstein, Löwensman, Löwersmann, Löwig, Löwin and Löwe.
Some of these variants have become surnames in their own right and carry the same meaning as Löwlein; Loew and Lowenberg refer to someone who lived near a wide river, Loewenstein is someone from the lion stone, Löwenstein is someone from a village, and Löwig is someone who lived in a meadow.
Other variants could signify an occupation such as Loewe/Löwe which mean lion and therefore could refer to someone who was known for hunting lions. Alternatively, the Löwe surname could also have arisen through adoption by a local noble family or by the Bishop of Cologne carrying the surname.
The surname Löwlein is also present in spellings outside of the German language, such as Lowelle or Lowel in French. Lowel later changed to Loewel (pronounced loo-vail) in places such as Switzerland and France. Outside of Europe, the surname Löwlein often changes to Lobel, Lowel and Lowlier, which are all related to the origination of Loewlein.
Overall, the variants and spellings of Löwlein bear testament to its versatile and far reaching family ancestry, leaving possible clues to where this surname truly originated.
Famous people with the name Löwlein
- Isabella Löwlein: Swiss alpine skier
- Matthias Löwlein: Swiss football player
- Eva Löwlein: Austrian journalist and TV presenter
- Johannes Löwlein: German engineer and politician
- Joachim Löwlein: German football player and coach
- Hermann Löwlein: German composer
- Jakob Löwlein: Swiss ski mountaineer
- Anna Löwlein: Austrian stage actress
- Robert Löwlein: German theologian
- Johann Löwlein: Austrian racing cyclist