Surname Meinhard - Meaning and Origin
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Meinhard: What does the surname Meinhard mean?
The last name Meinhard is of German origin and translates to “strong and hardy.” This indicates strength of body and character, and likely derived from an early ancestor who embodied these qualities.
The surname dates back to the 11th century when surnames became more common, indicating an ancestor who held their own individual surname. The earliest known individual to bear the name Meinhard was an 11th century knight from Saxony, by the name of Meinhard.
In the Middle Ages, the Meinhard surname became prominent, as members of the family were tasked with protecting the Saxon Empire from invasion and internal locals during the reign of Otto the Great.
Meinhard ancestors were also prominent within religious communities, including founding and serving within monasteries. The first to do so was Eckhard Meinhard, who founded Prenzlau Abbey in the German diocese of Brandenburg in 1109.
The majority of Meinhard forebears originate from Saxony and Prussia, Germany. However, some families can also be found in the United States following immigration, with early mentions of individuals bearing the name to be found in records from the 1700s.
In modern times, the name’s meaning remains as strong and enduring as ever, with many Meinhards possessing a strong work ethic, deep faith and undying loyalty.
Order DNA origin analysisMeinhard: Where does the name Meinhard come from?
The last name Meinhard is derived from German pre 7th century origins. It is first recorded in Germanic documents by the name of Meinhardus and is believed to have been a baptismal name, derived from the personal name Meinhard, which is a compound of two elements; the first being the Germanic element, "mein", meaning strong or stout, with the second being "hard", meaning strong or bold.
Today, the surname Meinhard is common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, and is found in small concentrations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other European countries. In Germany, Meinhard is the 15th most common surname. In Switzerland, it is the 11th most common surname, while in Austria it ranks 4th. In the USA, it is ranked in the top 2,000 surnames.
Meinhard is more popular in central and northern Europe and is much less common in other regions such as in southern Europe. In the United States, the name Meinhard is particularly prevalent in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, although these states don't have the highest number of people with that surname. This suggests that many of the Meinhard families may have come to America from central Europe.
The name is echoed in a variety of forms including Mynhardt, McGillard, McJellard and the German Menardt and Mainhardt.
Variations of the surname Meinhard
Meinhard is a German surname derived from the name Meinhard, a variant of the given name Meinolf, which was formerly popular amongst Germanic and Nordic peoples in the Middle Ages. Meinhard and its variants are thought to have originated from the Latin Maginradus, which may also be the source for the surname Mainard.
Meinhard and its variants, including Mainhard, Mainhardt, Maynard, Manhard, Maynerd, and Mienhard, are all believed to be related. These forms of the surname have been found in both English and German-speaking countries throughout the centuries.
Meinhard and its variants may also be combined with other surnames to form various double-barrelled names, such as Meinhard-Smith or Maynard-Peters.
In addition to the various surnames associated with Meinhard, its variants have also been found as given names throughout Europe. The variants Meino, Meinolf, and Meinrad have all been documented as names given to children, and there are many other forms of the name in existence today.
Meinhard and its variants represent a long and proud history, stretching back to the late Middle Ages. While their exact origin remains a mystery, it is clear that Meinhard and its variants are still in use in modern times.
Famous people with the name Meinhard
- Charles Meinhard, American football guard
- Edward Meinhard, American actor
- Otfried Meinhard, German pastor and writer
- Michael Franz Meinhard, German astronomer
- Hermann Meinhard, German banker and entrepreneur
- Franz Meinhard, German toxicologist
- Joachim Meinhard, German artist
- Corinna Meinhard, German author
- Lionel Meinhard, Austrian lawyer
- Uta Meinhard, German athlete