Surname Engelschalt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'E'
Engelschalt: What does the surname Engelschalt mean?
The last name Engelschalt is a German surname, derived from the German word "engel," meaning angel. It is thought to have originated as a reference to someone with angelic characteristics or qualities, possibly a saintly or holy person. The surname could also be derived from a place name, with "schalt" referring to a rotating disc or mechanism.
Over time, this surname became more of a patronymic name, possibly adopted by many different families associated with an ancestor with the given name Engel. It is likely that its originators and early bearers of the name were devout Christians, wishing to honor and emphasize their connection to religion and faith.
Currently, many people bearing the last name Engelschalt live in Germany. It is also a very popular name in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. Over time, this name has traveled to places such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Generally speaking, Engelschalt is a surname always associated with a high degree of respectability and religiosity; the reputation of those who bear it is usually of special significance to the holder, for it personifies their history, their faith, and their legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisEngelschalt: Where does the name Engelschalt come from?
The last name Engelschalt appears to be relatively rare today. According to Ancestry.com, the surname is mainly found in Germany, the United States, and Canada. In Germany, the concentration of the name is highest in the region around Nordrhein-Westfalen and Niedersachsen, which includes the cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Hannover. It can also be found in scattered numbers throughout other parts of the country.
In the United States and Canada, the surname is mentioned far fewer times than in Germany. In the US, it was found mainly in the Midwest and Northeast from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. In some cases, the spelling is slightly different, appearing as “Engelschall”, or “Engelsschall”. In recent years, its presence in the US has declined considerably, with only a handful of individuals with this name.
The ultimate origin of the last name is unknown, however some sources point to the Old High German words “angilschalz” or “angilscalza”, which could refer to an angelic shield or the coat of arms of a noble family. Regardless of its origins, it remains a relatively rare surname today, popular among a small number of families.
Variations of the surname Engelschalt
Engelschalt is a rare German surname that is believed to have originated from the Middle Ages, specifically in the modern-day state of Lower Saxony. The name is derived from the German words "engel," which means angel, and "schalt," which translates to "control." This surname is mostly found in Germany, especially in Lower Saxony, but there are regional variants due to dialect differences.
Variants of the Engelschalt surname include Angelsschalt, Engelsschalt, Englischalt, Englischold, and Englschalt. These variants have even fewer carrier than the original surname and are more confined to the Lower Saxony region of present-day Germany.
Other spellings of Engelschalt found in other regions include Anckelsschalt, Anglischlot, Ankelschalt, and Enscholt.
Surnames similar to Engelschalt include Angschmidt, Ankels, Englisch, Engles, and Engelsdorf. These surnames carry similar origins and meanings that are linked to the word "engel."
Overall, Engelschalt is a rare Germanic surname, with variants and versions of the same meaning widespread in the Lower Saxony region and other regions of Germany. It also has similar surnames, such as Angschmidt, Ankels, Englisch, Engles, and Engelsdorf, that carry the same origin and meaning.
Famous people with the name Engelschalt
- Christian Engelscalt: German racing driver and record-breaking aerobatic pilot
- Sebastian Engelschalt: German freestyle motocross rider
- Anton Engelschalt: Austrian freestyle skier
- Paul Engelschalt: German radio and television presenter
- Anne-Marie Engelschalt: Dutch athlete
- Ralf Engelschalt: German automobile engineer
- Chris Engelschalt: German former ski jumper
- Ulrich Engelschalt: German former football player
- Albert Engelschalt: Austrian diplomat
- Joe Engelschalt: Former Montreal Canadiens hockey player
- Catharina Engelschalt: German philosophical and religious writer
- Mika Engelschalt: Japanese born artist active in London