Surname Schwenkbier - Meaning and Origin
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Schwenkbier: What does the surname Schwenkbier mean?
The last name Schwenkbier is a German surname which dates back to the 12th century. It is derived from the Old German words 'swinger', meaning 'dipper' or 'chalice', and 'bier', meaning 'beer'. The literal translation of Schwenkbier is 'chalice beer'.
The first use of the name Schwenkbier is recorded in the old Bavarian language, with the earliest known record belonging to one Reinhart Schwenkbier of the Lower Bavarian city of Passau in 1124. This suggests that the name originated in Bavaria, and is therefore most likely of Germanic origin.
The name Schwenkbier is usually associated with secular brewing and taverns, as it was once commonly used as a surname to describe those with brewing knowledge and a tavern-keeping background. The name may also have served as a nickname for a sociable tavern owner, who 'dipped' or 'swung' the beer around for customers. Over time, the name has also come to symbolise hospitality and sociability.
In contemporary Germany, the Schwenkbier surname is still commonly used by some families of German descent. Due to its meaning, the name Schwenkbier can be seen as a mark of distinction, as it serves to recognize and honor those with rich brewing and tavern-keeping culture.
Order DNA origin analysisSchwenkbier: Where does the name Schwenkbier come from?
The last name Schwenkbier is most commonly found in Germany today. It is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German words “schwenke” and “bier,” which roughly translates to “pivoting beer.” This likely refers to a time in history when brewers needed to switch between oaken barrels in order to keep their frothy beverage cold and palatable.
In recent years, the Schwenkbier surname can be found mainly in Bavaria, an area in southeastern Germany known for its traditional breweries. However, it is not unique to this region and can also be found in other parts of the country. Outside of Germany, the surname has spread to many areas of the world. It can be found in North America, Australia, and others.
The highest population of Schwenkbier families live in Germany, but the majority can be found in the United States. According to the United States census records, the last name Schwenkbier was first introduced to the country in the late 19th century, and by 1990, there were at least 346 people with the last name in the country.
It is likely that the Schwenkbier surname will continue to be carried on for many generations. For all those with the last name, it is a reminder of where they have come from, and where they are going.
Variations of the surname Schwenkbier
The surname Schwenkbier is an ancestral German name that is derived from the personal name Schwenke, which is derived from the Old German word, “schwenken,” meaning to “swing.”
Variant spellings of the surname Schwenkbier include Schwenka, Schwenken, Schwenker, Schwingbier, Schwenkbeer and Schwenckbier.
The various prefixes associated with the surname Schwenkbeer allow for considerable flexibility. Variants of the name that incorporate a place of origin as part of the name include Schwenka von Geislingen, Schwenkberger von Hamburg, Schwenken von Kleist, Schwenken von Potsdam, Schwenker von Wuppertal, and Schwenck von Köln.
The Schwenkbier surname can also be found throughout Central and Eastern Europe, and is often spelled with the Eastern or Slavic versions of the name, Zakrzewski or Zakszewski.
Similar sounding surnames of similar origin also exist, such as Schwinger, Schwenzer, Schwencke, Schwendemann, Schwender, and Schwenkler.
In some cases, the Schwenkbier surname may also merge with geographically distinct names, such as Schwenkenmarkt, Schwenkewitz, and Schwendfeld.
In combination with a geographic origin, the Schwenkbier surname can be found in many variants, such as Geislinger Schwenka, Schwenkeberger von Hamburg, Schwenken von Kleist, Schwenker von Wuppertal, and Schwenck von Köln.
In conclusion, the surname Schwenkbier has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. This can make it possible to trace this ancestral German name to its geographical origin or to identify related families or other compelling family history information.
Famous people with the name Schwenkbier
- Matt Schwenkbier: a professional baseball player who was drafted in the 14th round of the 2006 amateur draft and has since played for the Colorado Rockies and the Detroit Tigers.
- Karl Schwenkbier: a politician who served as a member of the Bavarian House of Representatives from 1949 to 1953.
- Christian Schwenkbier: an Austrian actor and voice actor whose works have included The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and The Pink Panther Show.
- Paul Schwenkbier: a 20th century German industrialist who was the former CEO of Siemens AG.
- Bettina Schwenkbier: an opera singer who has performed leading roles in operas such as "The Magic Flute" and "The Marriage of Figaro".
- Christoph Schwenkbier: a novelist and screenwriter whose works have been adapted into German-language movies, such as Die Seele der Stein (The Soul of the Stone).
- Hans Schwenkbier: an Austrian painter and graphic artist whose works include illustrations for classic fairy tales.
- Marcus Schwenkbier: a Belgian professional basketball player who currently plays for Excelsior Brussels in the Pro Basketball League.
- Dieter Schwenkbier: a German actor whose credits include roles in films such as The Bank Robbery and Der Alte.
- Johannes Schwenkbier: a German sculptor who is best known for his wooden sculptures of rural life scenes.