Surname Priebe - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Genetic Thread of the Priebe Surname Through an iGENEA DNA Test

Delving into my familial roots using an iGENEA DNA test, the findings about the surname Priebe threw light on the rich and diverse history imprinted in my genetic blueprint. The results revealed deep-seated Germanic connections, probable Viking lineage, a probable journey across different geographical territories, and unexpected genetic traits tied to the Priebe surname. This DNA-driven exploration has vividly revived the past, establishing deeper ties with my roots.

V. Priebe

Priebe: What does the surname Priebe mean?

The surname Priebe is a German surname of West and Central German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word prieb meaning "desire, eagerness, strong will, zeal, bravery". The surname likely originated as a nickname for a brave and eager individual, or perhaps for someone with a strong personal ambition.

In early German documents, the Priebe surname can also be found in various spellings, such as Prebe, Preib, Prybe, Preyb, Prib and Pryb. The meaning and origin of the name remains consistent across these spellings.

The earliest documented example of the surname is in a charter from 1281 in Westphalia, Germany, in which "Viktor Preib" is mentioned.

In early Europe, Priebe families would have been part of noble and royal households. They would have been employed by ruling family members as rulers and stewards of their properties. This is evidenced by the fact that in earlier times Priebe family members had to swear loyalty oaths as a form of employment.

Today, the Priebe surname is most heavily concentrated in Germany, the United States, and Canada. In the US and Canada, individuals with the Priebe surname are often of German and Swiss ancestry, and trace their lineage to German and Swiss immigrants who made their way to North America in the 1700s.

Priebe: Where does the name Priebe come from?

The last name Priebe is primarily found among countries of Germanic origins, particularly Holland, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Austria. Priebe is particularly popular in Germany, with more than 50,000 people using the name in 2019. In Austria, it is among the top 500 last names.

The name is believed to derive from an old Germanic root meaning "request", and may refer to someone with a humble demeanor. Many Priebes have immigrated to the United States over the years, settling particularly in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Iowa, as well as other Midwestern and Northeastern States.

Priebe is also fairly common in Canada, mostly among German-Canadians in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. A smaller number of Priebes exist in Australia and New Zealand, likely comprising recent German immigrant to these countries. Due to its Germanic origin, the last name may also appear in surrounding countries like Belgium, France and the Czech Republic.

Variations of the surname Priebe

The surname Priebe is derived from a Middle High German word meaning "priest." It is typically spelled with an umlaut over the "e" and can be found with a variety of other spelling variations as well. These variations include, but are not limited to: Priebey, Prieby, Priebel, Prieble, Priebo, Priece, Pryebe, Pryebo, and Pryeby. It is also found in some places as Pyby, Prby, Prbie, Prby, Prbyby, and Prei.

In some cases when the surname was adopted as a patronymic, it became Priebesohn or Priebson, a specific form of the surname which indicates it was being used as a surname of a parent. This is seen in countries with cultures that practice patronymic surnames, as was common in Germany and Scandinavian countries. Additionally, the surname Priebe can be found in the form of its various cognates, such as Preibisch, Preibisch, Priebus, Priebisch, and Preibish.

There are many other variations and regional spellings of the surname. It is important to note, however, that even if the surnames sound like Priebe, they may not be the same surname and may be a variation of another name. For instance, Priebold, Priebel, and Priebecke are all distinct surnames from the original form and should not be confused.

Famous people with the name Priebe

• Kari Priebe: American author and cozy mystery writer.
• Chris Priebe: Country Singer-songwriter from Nashville, TN.
• Wilfried Priebe: German organist and composer.
• Patrizia Priebe: German former swimmer.
• Pat Priebe: American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
• Sophia Priebe: German actress.
• Cornelia Priebe: American film editor.
• Braden Priebe: American fashion model from Minnesota.
• Zachariah Priebe: American folk musician.
• Frank Priebe: American historian and biographer of Abraham Lincoln.
• Carsten Priebe: former German professional basketball player.
• Jana Priebe: German speed skater.
• Gerhard Priebe: former German cyclist.
• Uwe Priebe: German football goalkeeper.
• Tyron Priebe: Australian former professional rugby league footballer.
• Chris Priebe: founder and creative director of PlayEvery Ware Studios.
• Evelyn Priebe: American golfer.
• Leilani Priebe: Canadian endurance athlete.
• Shea Priebe: American abstract painter and sculptor.
• Dean Priebe: Australian professional surfer.

Other surnames

Prieb