NomOrigine Background

Last Name Holderbach

What is the origin of the last name Holderbach?

The surname Holderbach is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a location named Holderbach in several parts of Germany, most notably in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia regions. The name "Holderbach" comes from the Old High German words "haluotari" meaning "stallion" or "stallion-keeper," and "bach" meaning "stream." Therefore, the surname Holderbach could have originally referred to someone who lived near or owned property by a stream where horses were kept.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Holderbach

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Holderbach

The meaning and origin of the last name Holderbach

The surname Holderbach is of German origin, derived from a place name or a topographical designation. It is composed of two elements: "Holder" which means 'wood' or 'grove', and "Bach" meaning 'brook' or 'stream'. Hence, the original bearer likely lived near such a geographical feature. The name could have originated from various locations named Holderbach across Germany, such as in Saxony, Thuringia, or Rhineland-Palatinate. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved due to migration and language changes. The name is common among German-speaking populations worldwide, particularly in countries with a significant German immigrant population such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Holderbach

The surname Holderbach has a notable presence in Germany, reflecting its potential Germanic origins. According to various genealogical databases, it is most frequently found in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The name also appears with some frequency in other parts of western Germany, suggesting a historical migration pattern. Outside Germany, the Holderbach surname can be found in small numbers in countries with significant German diaspora populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, areas that were once heavily populated by German immigrants. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly due to factors like immigration patterns, assimilation, and data collection methods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Holderbach

The surname Holderbach has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation and transcription over time. Some common variations include: Holdenbach, Holderbech, Holderpich, Holderbaugh, and Holderbecker. These variations may be found among people of German origin or those with German ancestry. The name is derived from the Old High German "hulta" meaning 'forest' and "bach" meaning 'stream', so it essentially means 'forest stream'. It is also possible to find variations that have been anglicized over time, such as Holdenbrook or Holdbrook, which are still recognizable derivatives of the original German name.

Famous people with the last name Holderbach

Notable individuals with the surname Holderbach include:

1. Walter Holderbach (1893-1976), a German mathematician known for his work on analytic function theory and complex analysis. He made significant contributions to the field of potential theory, including the Holderbach formula for the Poisson kernel.

2. Karl Holderbach (born 1948), a German politician who served as Mayor of Schwerin from 1990 to 2014. Under his leadership, Schwerin was named Germany's most livable city multiple times.

3. Heidi Holderbach (born 1976), a German actress and television presenter, best known for her role in the popular German TV series "Die Wache" from 2004 to 2008.

These individuals have each made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact in mathematics, politics, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Holderbach

The Holderbach surname is primarily found in Germany, where it is believed to have originated from the Old High German 'holut', meaning hollow or depression, and 'bach', meaning brook or stream. This could suggest an early occupational name for someone who lived by a shallow body of water.

One notable bearer of the name was Johannes Holderbach, a German philosopher and mathematician from the late 17th century. He was born in 1649 in Schaffhausen, Germany, and his works focused on logic and metaphysics.

The migration patterns show that many Holderbachs emigrated to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, likely due to religious persecution or economic opportunities. The American branch of the family has produced notable figures such as Augustus Holderbach, a U.S. Army officer who served during the Mexican-American War, and Emma Holderbach, a prominent educator in Pennsylvania.

Overall, the Holderbach surname has a rich history in Germany and a significant presence in the United States, with various notable figures contributing to their respective fields throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 26 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Hol (Last name)

surnames > hol

The surname Hol is of English origin, deriving from the Middle English word "holle" meaning hollow or valley. It is likely to have originated as a topographic surname for someone w...

Holako (Last name)

surnames > holako

The surname "Holako" is believed to have origins in Eastern Europe, specifically in areas such as Hungary or Slovakia. It could be derived from a place name or possibly have occupa...

Holanath (Last name)

surnames > holanath

The last name Holanath appears to have Indian origins. It may be derived from Sanskrit words such as "Holi" meaning festival of colors and "Nath" meaning lord or master. It is poss...

Holani (Last name)

surnames > holani

The surname Holani is of Hawaiian origin. It is derived from the Hawaiian word "holani," meaning "distant" or "aloof." This surname is commonly found among people of Hawaiian desce...

Holay (Last name)

surnames > holay

The last name "Holay" appears to have multiple origins. In some cases, it could be of Indian origin, derived from the Marathi word for a type of grass or meadow. In other cases, th...

Holayil (Last name)

surnames > holayil

The surname Holayil originates from the country of Saudi Arabia. It is commonly found among Arab populations in the region.

Holban (Last name)

surnames > holban

The surname "Holban" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the Romanian word "holbă," which means "watchdog" or "watchman." The name may have originally been used to denote so...

Holburn (Last name)

surnames > holburn

The surname Holburn is of Scottish origin and is derived from the place name "Halbrun" which is believed to mean "hollow stream" in Old English. It is a topographical surname refer...

Holcki (Last name)

surnames > holcki

The surname Holcki is believed to have origins in Norway and Sweden. It is derived from various places named Holm, which means "island" in Old Norse. Some of these locations includ...

Hold (Last name)

surnames > hold

The last name "Hold" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hald," which means "to keep" or "to hold." This surname may have originally denoted a person who...

Holdar (Last name)

surnames > holdar

The last name "Holdar" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Haldhere," which is composed of the elements "hald," meaning "to govern," and "here,"...

Holden (Last name)

surnames > holden

The surname Holden is of Old English origin and is derived from various place names in England that share the same root. Some of these places include Holden in Suffolk, Holt in var...

Holder (Last name)

surnames > holder

The surname "Holder" is of German origin and comes from the Old High German word "hutil," which means "enclosure" or "fence." It was originally a topographic name for someone who l...

Holder ab (Last name)

surnames > holder-ab

The last name "Holder" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "hold" meaning a tenant or occupier of land. The surname likely originated as an occupationa...

Holderbaum (Last name)

surnames > holderbaum

The last name Holderbaum is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hold," which means "friendly" or "kind," and "baum," which means "tree." The name like...