Surname Pertold - Meaning and Origin

Pertold: What does the surname Pertold mean?

Derived from an Old High German term, the surname Pertold is thought to have first been associated with a person who had the characteristics of being bold and brave. It is believed that the earliest known spelling of the family name was Berthold, and that it came from the Proto-Germanic name, Berhtwald.

The literal meaning of the surname Pertold is ‘bright rule’ or ‘from the brilliant authority’, suggesting that the Pertold family tree was composed of people who were seen as wise and authoritative.

Throughout history, Pertolds have gained distinction through their many accomplishments and contributions to the society they live in. In Germany, for example, members of the Pertold family have long been associated with success in a variety of corporations, government positions, and other important fields.

Today, the Pertold name continues to have a strong presence in Europe. Many carry on the tradition of the proud and distinguished family, each striving to live up to the accomplishments and values of those that came before them.

Pertold: Where does the name Pertold come from?

The last name Pertold is found most commonly in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. It is also prevalent in a few other countries, including Germany, Austria, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The last name Pertold seems to originate in the Czech Republic, and it has been around for at least four centuries. The origins of the name are uncertain, but it may be derived from the Czech word for “brave” or “courageous.”

It is likely that the last name Pertold was spread to other Eastern and Central European countries by immigrants from the Czech Republic or its predecessor, Bohemia. It is not as common in the United States, where it is found primarily among the descendants of Czech immigrants or their spouses. In the 2000 US Census, there were around 500 people with the last name Pertold.

In general, the Pertold surname is still fairly common in Central and Eastern Europe today. In 2019, the surname was ranked 721st most common last name in the Czech Republic, while in Slovakia it was ranked 617th and in Hungary 532nd. The last name continues to be passed down from generation to generation in these countries, and it is likely to remain a common surname in the region for many years to come.

Variations of the surname Pertold

The surname Pertold is thought to have originated from an ancient Bohemian and Czech name meaning "alpine meadow," or as one direct translation suggests, “someone from the meadow of the mountain.” Depending on regional dialects, the surname can be spelled and pronounced several different ways.

In Czech, regional versions may include Peřtolt, Peřtol, Pertolt, Pertolc, Pertolts, and Pertole. Similarly, some Belarusian dialects of the name may have sounded like Pyertyolt, Pyertyol, P'yartyol, Pyertol, or Pyertolet. In Ukrainian dialects, some spellings may be Patryolt, Piatrol, Pyatrolet, Patriole, Piatrol, or Pyatrolt. Lastly in Polish dialects, some versions include Pertyol, Pertyole, Pertole, Pertoli, or Pertolce.

Modern spelling variations can include Pertold, Partold, and Partial. Surnames with similar roots include Pertolt, Peltolt, and Peralta. Finally, descendants of the original Pertold family may adopt new surname spellings altogether, such as Pertola, Pertalos, Petzed, Percydle, Pyrtle, Pertell, and Pyette.

Famous people with the name Pertold

• Gustav Pertold: is a former figure skating champion (from the 1970s), a choreographer, coach, and television commentator from Slovakia.
• John Pertold: was a Hungarian-born American classical composer, pianist, conductor, and musicologist.
• Leopold Pertold: was also a Hungarian-born American classical composer, pianist, conductor, and musicologist. He was John's brother.
• Csaba Pertold: was a Hungarian-born American classical composer, musicologist, and cellist. He was John and Leopold's brother.
• Stephen Pertold: was an artist, sculptor, and teacher.
• Lathen Pertold: was an Australian dressage rider, trainer and coach who competed at the 1994 World Equestrian Games.
• Peter Pertold: was a Jewish Czechoslovakian sculptor, painter, graphic artist and teacher of sculpture.
• Armin Pertold: was a German-Austrian entrepreneur, author, and artist.
• Judith Pertold-Smith: is a television writer and producer. She was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2004.
• Jan Pertold: was a Czech slalom canoeist who competed in the late 1980s.
• Sascha Pertold: is an Austrian skier and is known for his slalom skiing competition.
• Udvardy Pertold: was an actor from Budapest, Hungary.

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