Surname Manholt - Meaning and Origin

Manholt: What does the surname Manholt mean?

The last name Manholt is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German term "Manhold". The name is typically associated with miners who created subterranean passages through rock and other materials. In German, Man holen translates to "mining - to dig".

In the Middle Ages, miners traveled Europe searching for metals such as copper, iron and coal. Many of these journeys were dangerous and the miners had to be well-prepared and experienced to ensure success. It is likely that the first Manholt family members began their mining career in Germany, brought their name to their new country and passed it down through generations as a meaningful reminder of their past profession.

Today, the name Manholt is still associated with its original profession. Though modern mining is a much more sophisticated process than it was in the Middle Ages, the emotional connotation of the name has been kept alive and remains a reminder of the legacy of German miners.

Much like other surnames with occupational roots, Manholt is a symbol of the hardworking and innovative spirit that is often associated with Germany. The name will continue to be carried on with pride by descendants, regardless of whether they are familiar with their ancestral mining profession.

Manholt: Where does the name Manholt come from?

The last name Manholt is primarily found in Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavia today. It is a German family name derived from the Middle High German words manhalte or manhalt, which mean "guard post". The variants of this surname, such as Manhalt and Manhal, are also seen in countries like Austria and Switzerland.

In the United States, Manholt is an uncommon name but has been in existence since the 19th century. Records reveal that the earliest individuals with this last name arrived in the US from Germany in the early 1800s, believed to be from the area near the Rhine River. During the early 20th century, many of the immigrants with the last name Manholt settled in the US Midwest, particularly in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Subsequently, as they spread out and moved to other parts of the country, Manholt became more widely distributed.

Today, the name is by no means rare in the US and is still in use throughout the US and Germany. In fact, records suggest that more than 3,000 people living in the US bear this uncommon last name. Manholt is also found in Scandinavian countries like Denmark, where records suggest a total of 1,100 individuals with this last name.

Variations of the surname Manholt

The origin of Manholt is believed to have emerged from Germany in the 13th century. Although the exact origin of the name remains unknown, it is believed to be associated with the term “manhald”, which translated in English could indicate a person who is loyal, trustworthy and respected in a certain field of expertise.

Manholt is a rare surname with several variants. Some of the different spellings include Manhalt, Manhalter, Menholt, Manhault, Menhalt, Menhalter, Manholz, and Menholz.

Manholt is also a popular name in Austria, but here the spelling is usually changed to Menhoelt. In the Dutch language, instead of the Hard 'H', a soft “G” sound is more commonly used for the surname, resulting in the spelling of Mengoelt. In France, the spelling swifts again and becomes Mangoult, whilst in Sweden and Denmark, the spelling becomes Mangöld which is derived from the Old Norse surname “Maggoholdr.”

Other surnames of the same origin as Manholt include Menkolz, Menhold, Menholdt, Menholld, Menholdz and Menheld. In the United States there are several additional versions of Manholt, mostly found in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

All in all, the Manholt surname is an important part of German and European history and has several variants and spellings, as well as several related surnames both in Europe and in the United States.

Famous people with the name Manholt

• Helmut Manholt (1926–1994): Former foreign minister of West Germany and European Commissioner (European Commission President).
• George Manholt (1900–1983): World War II American army general.
• Diaa Manholt (born 1981): Moroccan footballer.
• Gudrun Manholt (born 1963): German track and field athlete.
• Egon Manholt (1914–1977): West German diplomat.
• Charles Manholt (1902–1985): British politician.
• Andreas Manholt (born 1947): German entomologist and professor.
• Irm Manholt (born 1944): German actress.
• Adam Manholt (born 1986): Norwegian footballer.
• August Manholt (1786–1864): German jurist and member of the Frankfurt Parliament.

Other surnames

Manhold