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Last Name Engelbrecht

What is the origin of the last name Engelbrecht?

The last name Engelbrecht is of German origin. It is a combination of the words "Engel" meaning "angel" and "brecht" meaning "bright" or "shining". Therefore, Engelbrecht can be translated to mean "bright angel" or "shining angel". It is a common surname in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Engelbrecht

The meaning and origin of the last name Engelbrecht

The surname Engelbrecht is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German name Engilbert, which means "bright angel" or "angelic." The name may have been given to someone who was considered pure, virtuous, or had a holy quality about them. The addition of "brecht" at the end likely denotes a connection to the town of Brecht in Belgium. Over time, the name evolved from a personal name to a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Today, individuals with the surname Engelbrecht can be found mostly in Germany and South Africa, where German immigrants settled in the 19th and 20th centuries. The name may also have variants such as Engelbracht or Engelbert, depending on regional dialects and spelling variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Engelbrecht

The surname Engelbrecht is primarily found in Germany, with a significant population also residing in South Africa. In Germany, the name is most common in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, as well as in Lower Saxony and Bavaria. Many Engelbrechts can also be found in the Western Cape province of South Africa, particularly in cities like Cape Town and Stellenbosch. The name is of German origin, derived from the personal name Engelbert, meaning "bright angel." The spread of the Engelbrecht surname can be attributed to German immigration to South Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as more recent migration patterns. Today, members of the Engelbrecht family can be found in various countries around the world, but Germany and South Africa remain the primary locations of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Engelbrecht

Variations and spellings of the last name Engelbrecht include Englebrecht, Englebrekht, Engelsbrecht, Engelbreckht, and Englebreckt. These variations may be due to the different ways the name has been transcribed or translated over time and across different regions. The origin of the name Engelbrecht is German, and it is derived from the Old High German elements "engel" meaning "angel" and "breht" meaning "bright" or "famous." The name Engelbrecht is often found in Germany and other German-speaking countries, as well as in communities with German heritage around the world. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Engelbrecht retains its distinctive and noble meaning, symbolizing an association with angels or brightness.

Famous people with the last name Engelbrecht

One famous person with the last name Engelbrecht is Trevor Engelbrecht, a South African meteorologist known for his work on eNCA, a 24-hour news channel in South Africa. He has become a trusted source for weather updates and forecasts, with a large following on social media. Another notable individual with the last name Engelbrecht is Johann Engelbrecht, a former professional rugby player from South Africa who played for the Lions and the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby competitions. He was known for his physical playing style and leadership on the field. Both Trevor and Johann Engelbrecht have made a name for themselves in their respective fields, showcasing the talent and determination that runs in the Engelbrecht family.

Genealogical research on the last name Engelbrecht

The surname Engelbrecht is of German origin and is derived from the given name Engelbert, which means "bright angel" or "angel of terror." The name is believed to have been popularized by a saint of the same name who lived in the 12th century. The Engelbrecht family can be traced back to medieval Germany, particularly in the regions of Westphalia and Bavaria. Over the centuries, the Engelbrecht surname has spread to other parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Many Engelbrecht families emigrated to North America in the 19th and 20th centuries in search of new opportunities. Today, individuals with the surname Engelbrecht can be found around the world, with a strong presence in South Africa due to Dutch and German colonization in the region.

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 : 11 April 2025

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