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Last Name Eichenlaub

What is the origin of the last name Eichenlaub?

The surname Eichenlaub is of German origin. It translates to "oak leaf" in English and is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near an oak tree or a metonymic occupational name for a keeper of oak trees, from Middle High German eiche "oak" and laube "lodge". The surname has various spellings such as Eichlaub, Eichenlaubw, Eickenlaub, etc., due to the variations in spelling that occurred during historical times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Eichenlaub

The meaning and origin of the last name Eichenlaub

The surname Eichenlaub is of German origin, derived from two elements: "Eiche" meaning oak tree, and "Laube" meaning bough or leafy branch. As such, it can be translated as 'Oak Bough' or 'Oak Leaf'. This surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near an oak tree with prominent branches or leaves, or as an occupational name for a woodworker who specialized in working with oak trees. The name first appeared in the mid-14th century in various regions of Germany and has since been spelled in numerous ways due to linguistic and regional variations over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Eichenlaub

The surname Eichenlaub is primarily concentrated in Germany, particularly in the regions of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. It originates from the Middle High German word "Eiche" meaning oak, and "Laube" meaning grove or arbor. This surname might have been given to someone who lived near an oak grove. Outside of Germany, the Eichenlaub name can also be found in the United States, primarily in states with a high population of German immigrants such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Texas. In Canada, the name is mostly represented in Ontario, reflecting the country's historical ties to German-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Eichenlaub

The surname Eichenlaub has various spellings and variants, originating from German roots. Here are some of the commonly encountered variations:

* Eichenlaub
* Eichlaub
* Eichelaub
* Eikelaub
* Aichleitner (a variant derived from a similar-sounding name in Austrian dialect)
* Aichler, Eickelber, Eikelboom, Eikelberry, and other adaptations to local phonetics and orthography in different regions.

These variations can stem from differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time. Despite the variations, all of these names share a common root meaning "oak leaf" in German.

Famous people with the last name Eichenlaub

The Eichenlaub surname is not particularly renowned for hosting multiple globally recognized figures, but there are a few notable individuals bearing this last name. One such person is Dr. Karl Eichenlaub, a German-born American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of polymer chemistry in the 20th century. Another notable individual is Michael Eichenlaub, an American guitarist and composer specializing in Renaissance music, who has performed with ensembles such as the Boston Camerata and Musica Antiqua Wien. Lastly, Richard Eichenlaub, a former U.S. Army officer, was the subject of a 2014 documentary titled "A Soldier's Tale," which chronicles his experiences during World War II. These are three examples of individuals with the last name Eichenlaub who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Eichenlaub

The surname Eichenlaub is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German 'eihe' meaning oak and 'blauwe' meaning blue-green, referring to the color and type of leaves on a specific tree. The name first appeared in records during the late Middle Ages, with early documented instances in regions such as Swabia, Bavaria, and Franconia. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Johann Eichenlaub (1735-1806), a Swiss botanist and physician who made significant contributions to mycology, and Hans Eichenlaub (born 1942), a German footballer who played for several German clubs. Over time, the name has spread globally due to migration waves, with notable concentrations in countries like the United States and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 27 July 2025

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