Surname Eppelein - Meaning and Origin

Eppelein: What does the surname Eppelein mean?

The surname Eppelein is derived from the German personal name Ewald, a combination of two words meaning “strong battle.” It was a common name in 13th century Germany, and it was typically given to sons born into noble families as a sign of respect.

The surname occurs mainly in Germany and Austria. The name has many variations including Ebbeler, Eppele, Eppler, and Ebeler. One branch of the family was known as Ebbeler which originated in Thuringen, Germany. Records show that the family moved to Austria in the 1700s.

Eppelein was a notable family name in the medieval period. A relative by the name of Heyden Eppelein von Gailingen gained notoriety as a German robber baron whose story is culturally renowned. He earned the nickname 'the Robin Hood of Franconia' for his ongoing feud with his former employers, the Burgrave of Nuremberg.

The Eppelein family has a long and illustrious history and is a symbol of traditional German heritage. The name is a proud reminder of the early warriors of Germany and Austria who were willing to fight for their families and their people. A life of courage and resilience, the spirit of the Eppelein family lives on and continues to be remembered in stories and song today.

Eppelein: Where does the name Eppelein come from?

The last name Eppelein is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a German surname of noble origin, which is derived from the Germanic "eppo," meaning "horse master." It is believed to have first appeared in the twelfth century in the Altmark region of Germany, near the modern city of Magdeburg, which was then under the rule of the House of Ascania.

In modern times, records indicate that the Eppelein surname is especially common in the southern states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. In addition, it is found in the eastern part of Austria and in some neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Due to the large number of emigrants who left Germany for the United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Eppelein families can now be found in various parts of the U.S., including California, New York, and Pennsylvania. Some descendants may have anglicized their name to Appleton, Appel, or Eple.

Despite its noble origins, the name is today quite widespread, and many descendants likely have no clue about its history. Even those living in Germany who bear the name often have no family connection to the original house of Eppelein. Today, the Eppelein surname is simply a reminder of a once noble past.

Variations of the surname Eppelein

The surname Eppelein has a few known variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include: Epple, Eppelman, Eppelheimer, Eppler, Eppelheimer, Epplin, Eppling, Epplin, Eppelman, Eplheimer, Epping, Eppel, Epplingen, Epply, Epplemann and Epley.

Epple is one of the variants of the surname, and is derived from the Middle High German Personal Name Ebel. It is assumed to be a variant of the personal name 'A Spoonland'. This occupational name likely derives from the occupation of spoon-maker.

The variant of Eppelman derives from the Middle High German word 'Epl' meaning an apple. This surname is likely an occupational name for a fruit seller.

The variant of Eppler is derived from the Middle High German word 'Eppili', which is a personal name and is also derived from the word 'Epl'. This variant is also an occupational name and is likely the same as Eppelheimer and Epplemann.

The variant of Eplingen is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word 'Ebelin', meaning a leather worker.

The variant of Epplin is derived from the Middle High German word ‘Eppli’, a personal name. It is speculated that this variant is derived from the Old High German name, 'Adelbrecht', meaning 'noble and bright'.

The variant of Epping is derived from the Middle High German word 'Ebling', meaning a modeller or image engraver.

Epple is also a variant of the surname, derived from the Middle High German word 'Eble', a personal name. It is also believed to be a variation of the occupational name 'A Spoonland'.

Lastly, the variants of Epply and Epley are derived from the Middle High German word 'Ebel', a personal name meaning “noble”.

Overall, the surname Eppelein has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These are derived from either occupational names or surname derivatives of personal names, and some are assumed to have the same meaning and origin.

Famous people with the name Eppelein

• Johannes Eppelein von Gailingen: was a German folk hero who was charged in 1388 with assassinating the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg.
• Juliana Eppelein: was a German organist, composer, and singer in the late 16th century.
• Simon Eppelein: was the mayor of the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg in the 17th century.
• Johann Eppelein: was a German physician and professor of medicine in the 18th century.
• Christian Eppelein: was an Austrian historian and statesman in the 18th century.
• Antony Eppelein: was an Imperial Austrian lieutenant-general in the early 19th century.
• Joseph Eppelein: was a German mathematician and astronomer in the 19th century.
• Franz Eppelein: was an Austrian economist and political figure in the 19th century.
• Jakob Eppelein: was a German consul general in China in the late 19th century.
• Charles Eppelein: was an American political figure in the early 20th century.

Other surnames

Eppele