Surname von Teuffel - Meaning and Origin
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von Teuffel: What does the surname von Teuffel mean?
The last name von Teuffel is a German surname of noble origin, derived from the Middle High German 'Teuffel'. The literal translation is 'Devil'. It likely arose as a reference to someone considered particularly ambitious and daring, or perhaps for one who was seen as a bit mischievous.
The von in the surname would be ancestral, making it a hereditary noble family name. It is from this position of noble privilege that comes the cultural connection between power, wealth and the von prefix. The use of “von” in German names indicates that either the original bearer of the name was from a Niederadel (“low nobility”) family or was ennobled at some point in the past.
The von Teuffel surname in particular is found chiefly in the former region of Prussia. Historically, this region was bordered by Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Russia, though it would be greatly reduced in size after World War II. In the present day, the von Teuffel name is found spread throughout Germany and across the former Prussian region.
Though the literal translation of von Teuffel is 'Devil,' the modern interpretation tends to emphasize courage, ambition and drive. It is a surname that has evolved over time and carries a proud tradition behind it.
Order DNA origin analysisvon Teuffel: Where does the name von Teuffel come from?
The last name von Teuffel is a German surname, traditionally associated with the area of Hessen in Central Germany. Today, the surname von Teuffel is most prominently found in the modern-day states of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, which compose what young people in German-speaking countries might call the "greater German-speaking area" (Großdeutschland). That being said, the surname von Teuffel has a global presence, just like many other German surnames. For example, an analysis of the German-American population in the United States at the end of the 20th century found that 1,046 citizens held the surname von Teuffel. It is likely that, while the concentration remains highest in Central Europe, many people of von Teuffel ancestry can be found throughout the world.
The global prevalence of the name von Teuffel is largely due to German emigration over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. During this time, large numbers of German citizens, and in particular emigrants from Hess, left their homes in search of better opportunities in the New World. The vast majority of these migrants traveled to the United States, and the United States Census now counts as many as 50 million people of German descent living there. With this in mind, it stands to reason that a significant portion of this population is likely to be descended from the von Teuffel family.
Variations of the surname von Teuffel
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname von Teuffel are many and varied. The most common variants are von Teuffel, Teufel, Teufele, Teufell, Teufelsdorfer and Teuffel. Other versions and combinations of this surname may include Teeffel, Teiffel, Teifel, Teyfel, Teuffelin, Teuffeler, Teuffler, Teufler and Tuifal. These variations of the name may be found in different countries and regions, resulting in slight variations in spelling.
The origin of this surname is German in origin, and has origins in the terms “teufen” and “teufel”, both meaning “devil”. This surname possibly originated when someone with a devilish nature or someone who worked with animals or a farmer adopted the surname. The prefix “von” is of German and Swiss origin and is often used as part of the surname, denoting nobility or origin.
The spelling of the surname has also likely changed over time, and is likely to vary in different countries and regions, as some territories place different accents and marks when spelling a name. It is also possible for the spelling or pronunciation of the same surname to vary depending on the generation.
The different spellings of the surname von Teuffel may also be used sometimes as a first name or even a nickname. Therefore it is not uncommon to find people with the surname, but with varying spellings or pronunciations.
Famous people with the name von Teuffel
- Walter von Teuffel, a German politician who served in the Saxon Landtag.
- Georg von Teuffel, who served as a Doctor of Laws at the University of Vienna in Austria during the late 19th century.
- Baron Eugen von Teuffel, the Minister of State in the Weimar Republic.
- Baroness Lucie von Teuffel, who served as President of the Berlin Red Cross in 1888.
- Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany, who was a member of the House of Hohenzollern-Teuffel dynasty.
- Count Robert von Teuffel, a German diplomat who served as ambassador to the Vatican.
- Countess Isabella von Teuffel, who was the proprietress of Schloss Schwanberg in Lehndorf during the mid-19th century.
- Philip von Teuffel, a German politician and a key figure in the formative years of the German Empire.
- Countess Marie von Teuffel, the matron of a mechanical medical institute in Berlin during the Second World War.
- Baroness Clementine von Teuffel, who served on the Prussian High Council in Berlin in the early 20th century.