Surname Pfenningschmidt - Meaning and Origin
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Pfenningschmidt: What does the surname Pfenningschmidt mean?
The last name Pfenningschmidt is of German origin and is derived from the Old German name Peninc. The name is composed of the elements 'penni', which means 'weapon' or 'spear', and '-ing', which was commonly used as a suffix to form a patronymic or surname.
The name is most commonly found in Germany, where it was primarily borne by individuals living in the Bavaria region. Over time, it has also spread to other parts of the world, notably to other European countries.
The literal translation of Pfenningschmidt is "spear-smithed". Through this, we can infer the occupation of those bearing the name, as well as the possible implications of it having been a family tradition. The name likely originated with someone who was a master craftsman and skilled in the art of forging weapons.
It is possible that this occupation provided for those of the Pfenningschmidt name, affording them a certain amount of wealth and respect among their peers. This is indicative of the strength and hard work that is ingrained within the name, and a great testament to the longevity of the Pfenningschmidt family name.
Order DNA origin analysisPfenningschmidt: Where does the name Pfenningschmidt come from?
The last name Pfenningschmidt is most commonly found in German speaking countries today. Specifically, the last name is quite popular in Germany, where it is believed to have originated, as well as other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland.
The Pfenningschmidt surname is a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the father's given name, or the same as that of his father. As such, it is derived from the given name of Pennig, which is itself derived from the German word "pfenning," which refers to a small coin. Literally translated, the surname therefore simply means "son of Pfennig."
First found in Bavaria, Germany, where records indicate that the name can be traced back to the 11th century. The earliest recorded use of the name in Bavaria was in 1145, where one Hanno Penninzheim was recorded in documents. The name then quickly spread throughout Germany, and by the 14th century, people bearing the Pfenningschmidt name were recorded in many other parts of the country.
Today, the surname Pfenningschmidt is most common in Germany. According to a data analysis from 2020, approximately 1,500 people living in Germany today bear the name. It is less common in other countries, though it can still be found throughout Europe, most notably in Austria and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Pfenningschmidt
The surname Pfenningschmidt is a topographic surname derived from the Middle High German Pfinz which means a small brook or stream. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Pfenningschmidt include Pfinninger, Finninger, Fininger, Pfenninger, Pfingst, Pfingsten, Finnger, Fenningschmidt and Fenninger.
The Pfinninger variant is the most commonly found form of the surname, due to the addition of the “er” suffix in the 16th century. This form can be found in records dating back to the 17th century. The Finninger variant is very similar to the Pfinninger form, with the only difference being that the “er” suffix was replaced by “er”, making the name slightly longer. This spelling can also be found in records dating back to the 17th century.
The Fininger and Pfenninger variants of the surname are also very similar to each other. The only difference between the two being that the “er” suffix had been replaced with “er” in both instances. This spelling has been in use since the 16th century.
The Pfingst, Pfingsten, and Finnger variants of the surname are all derived from the addition of the “nger” suffix to the original Pfenningschmidt spelling. This spelling can be found in records dating back to the 18th century.
The Fenningschmidt and Fenninger variants of the surname are derived from the addition of the “er” suffix to the original Pfenningschmidt spelling. This spelling has been in use since the 19th century.
Famous people with the name Pfenningschmidt
- Otto Pfenningschmidt (1844–1914), German mathematician
- Pierre Pfenningschmidt (1887–1966), Luxembourgian theologian
- Gustave Pfenningschmidt (1886–1954), Luxembourgian sports footballer
- Juan Pfenningschmidt (1876–1970), Argentine politician
- Martin Pfenningschmidt (b. 1989), German actor and producer
- Wilhelm Pfenningschmidt (1851–1923), German playwright
- Riccardo Pfenningschmidt (b. 1951), Italian academic
- Friedrich Pfenningschmidt (1825–1881), German educator
- Erich Pfenningschmidt (1885–1957), German playwright
- John Dennis Pfenningschmidt (b. 1958), American professional wrestler and actor