Last Name Eberlin

The surname Eberlin is of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "Eber" meaning wild boar and "lin" which means "descendant". The name was originally given to someone who lived near a place where wild boars were found or perhaps to someone who resembled a wild boar in some way. Variations of this surname include Eberlein, Eberline, Eberling, Aebersold, and others. This name has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history in various countries where German settlers have lived, including Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eberlin

The meaning and origin of the last name Eberlin

The surname Eberlin originates from Germanic roots, specifically Old High German, where it is derived from the name "Eberhard," which translates to "bold as an wild boar" or "hard-ruler." This name was originally given as a personal name and later became a hereditary surname. The Eberlin family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where records indicate the name's existence in regions such as Swabia, Bavaria, and Thuringia. Over time, many variations of the name have emerged due to spelling inconsistencies, including Eberline, Eberling, Ebbelin, and others. Today, the Eberlin surname can be found predominantly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and the United States, where it has been carried by descendants of German immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eberlin

The surname Eberlin is primarily distributed across Central and Western Europe, with significant concentrations in Germany and France. In Germany, it is most prevalent in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse regions. In France, it is particularly common in Alsace, Grand Est, and Lorraine, reflecting historical migrations and cultural exchanges between these areas and Germany. Smaller numbers of Eberlin families can also be found in Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Outside Europe, the surname has been carried by German and French emigrants to North America, particularly the United States and Canada, where it is still common today.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eberlin

The surname Eberlin has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and individual preferences over time. Some common spelling variations include Aebersold, Ebersold, Ebersoll, Eberhart, Eberhardt, Eberhilz, Eberhelz, Eberle, Eberline, Eberlin, Eberling, Eberl, Eaborn, and Aeberli. These variations can be found in German-speaking countries as well as other regions where the surname has been transmitted through migration. The name's origin is rooted in Old High German, with "Eber" meaning "wild boar" and "lin" or "hart" signifying "strength" or "hardy." These spellings reflect the various ways this ancient Germanic surname has evolved over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Eberlin

Notable individuals with the surname Eberlin include:

1. David Eberlin - An American musician and composer who is known for his work with the bands Mastodon, Neurosis, and Pelican. He played keyboards and provided additional percussion in these bands.

2. Errol Eberlin - A Canadian lawyer and politician who served as a senator from 1984 to 2005. He was appointed by Governor General Jeanne Sauvé and later reappointed by Adrienne Clarkson.

3. Jonathan Eberlin - An American musician, best known for being the bassist of the punk rock band Rancid. He has also been a member of other bands such as Operation Ivy, Swell, and The Filthy Thieving Bastards.

4. Rachel Eberlein - A British actress who has appeared in various television series, including "The Bill", "Doctors", and "Holby City". She is also known for her roles in the films "The Rise of the Krays" and "East Enders: London's Gangsters".

5. Tim Eberlein - An American professional football coach who has worked with several college teams, including the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan. He is currently the offensive line coach for the National Football League's New York Jets.

Genealogical research on the last name Eberlin

The surname Eberlin is of German origin, deriving from the Old High German "Ebirin," meaning "eagle raven." It is believed to have first appeared in Bavaria during the Middle Ages, with notable early bearers such as Godeloh de Ebeline in 1236 and Ulrich Eberlin in 1298. The name spread throughout Germany and adjacent regions during the Great Migration period (15th to 17th centuries), due to religious and political upheavals, with significant numbers settling in Switzerland, France, Austria, and the Netherlands. In the 17th century, many Eberlins immigrated to North America, including the family of Johannes Eberlin who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1683. Today, the Eberlin name is found throughout Europe and the Americas, with notable modern-day figures such as American physicist John Eberly and Swiss actor Bruno Ganz bearing this surname. Genealogical research on the Eberlin lineage offers a fascinating exploration into the rich history of Germanic families and their global dispersal over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Eberlin"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025

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