Last Name Imboden

The surname Imboden has German origins and is derived from a place name, specifically a small town called Immenstadt im Allgäu in Bavaria, Germany. The name "Imboden" is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a marshy area or bog, as the German word "Immo" means "marsh" and "-bod" comes from an Old High German word for "body of water." However, it's important to note that surnames often evolved over time and could have been corrupted or altered during migration. The name may also be spelled as Imhoff, Imhof, Immhof, or similar variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Imboden

The meaning and origin of the last name Imboden

The surname Imboden is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking region of Switzerland. It is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Immenstadt im Allgäu in Bavaria, Germany, which was settled by Swiss immigrants. The name itself comes from Old High German "Immo" meaning home or farmstead, and "Bodun," a personal name. Over time, it evolved into the modern form Imboden. This surname spread across Europe during the Migration Period and the Middle Ages due to various historical events such as population movements and crusades, with many families eventually settling in other parts of Europe and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Imboden

The surname Imboden has a concentrated distribution in Switzerland, particularly in the cantons of Aargau, Bern, and St. Gallen. It is a traditional Swiss-German name, originating from the region around the town of Imboden in the Canton of Thurgau. Outside of Switzerland, the surname Imboden can be found in smaller numbers in neighboring countries like Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein due to historical migration patterns. In North America, there are notable populations of people with the last name Imboden primarily in the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California, owing to Swiss immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Smaller communities can also be found in Australia and South Africa, as a result of emigration from Europe during the same periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Imboden

The last name Imboden has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Imhof, Imhoff, Imhuden, Emmendorf, Immenroth, and Immendorf. These variations are derived from the original Swiss German name Imboden, which is a toponymic surname originating from places named Imboden in Switzerland or Austria. The name can also be found as Eimbold, Eimboldt, Imbold, Imbolt, and others, representing phonetic variations from various languages and regions. These variations may have arisen due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or immigration records.

Famous people with the last name Imboden

The Imboden family has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most prominent is Hans Georg von Imboden (1746-1826), a Swiss general who served in both the Austrian and Russian armies, playing a significant role during the Seven Years' War and Napoleonic Wars. Another well-known figure is Karl Imboden (1856-1930), a Swiss politician and economist who served as the President of the Swiss Confederation in 1902. In the arts, William Imboden (1841-1903) was an American painter known for his landscapes and historical scenes. Lastly, Thomas P. Imboden (born 1965), an American attorney and judge, is notable as a United States District Judge of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2007. These individuals have left lasting impacts in their respective fields, contributing to the family's renowned legacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Imboden

The Imboden surname is of Swiss origin, specifically from the canton of Thurgau, where it was first recorded in the early 13th century. The name is derived from a place-name, Immenstadt or Immendorf, which means "homestead on the Imme river." Early records show that the Imboden family played significant roles in regional politics and military affairs during the Middle Ages. One notable member was Jürg Imboden, who led Swiss forces against Charles the Bold of Burgundy in 1475 at the Battle of Grandson. The Imbodens migrated to various parts of Europe, particularly Germany and France, during the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 18th century, some branches of the family emigrated to America, settling primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Today, the Imboden surname can be found worldwide with a significant presence in North America and Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Imboden"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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