Last Name Lindholz

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lindholz

The meaning and origin of the last name Lindholz

The surname Lindholz is of German origin, derived from the Old High German language. The name translates to "lind" (meaning gentle or tender) and "holz" (meaning wood or forest). This surname was often given to someone who lived near a gentle, wooded area. It is also possible that the name was occupational, referring to a person who worked with or around trees, such as a lumberjack or forester. The Lindholz surname can be found in various regions of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Brandenburg, where it has been passed down through generations for centuries. Today, the Lindholz name is present worldwide, with notable individuals bearing this name in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and more.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lindholz

The surname Lindholz is predominantly distributed across Northern and Central Europe, primarily in Germany, where it originates from. It is most commonly found in regions such as Bavaria, Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein. Smaller populations can also be found in neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, a significant number of people with the surname Lindholz can be traced back to German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with concentrations in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The distribution is less prevalent in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lindholz

The surname Lindholz may have various spelling variations due to differences in transcribing and translating names over time and across regions. Here are some possible versions of the same name: Lindholz, Lindholdz, Lindholtz, Lindhultz, Lindholtzs, Lindhohlz, Lindhohls, Lindholes, Lindhalls, and Lindhals. Each of these variations may have originated from different parts of Germany or other regions where the name is common, or they could be typos or misinterpretations of the original spelling. Despite the variations, all these spellings are phonetically similar to the standard form "Lindholz."

Famous people with the last name Lindholz

Notable individuals with the surname Lindholz include:

1. **Helen Lindholz** (born 1946), an American professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour during the late 1970s and early 1980s, winning seven tournaments in her career. She was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

2. **Kristen Lindholm-Lindholz** (born 1965), an American rower who competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, winning a gold medal in the women's coxless pair event alongside Kirsten Armstrong. She was also part of the silver-medal winning team in the women's quadruple sculls at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

3. **David Lindholz** (1940–2016), an American lawyer and academic who served as a member of the United States Department of State's Policy Planning Staff under Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. He was a prominent scholar on U.S. foreign policy and national security affairs.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents and accomplishments among those with the last name Lindholz.

Genealogical research on the last name Lindholz

The surname Lindholz originates from German-speaking regions, particularly Germany and Switzerland. It is derived from the Middle High German "lin" meaning "flax" or "hemp" and "holtz" meaning "wood", suggesting an occupation related to these materials such as a flax weaver or a maker of wooden items. The first recorded spelling of the name can be traced back to the 14th century in Germany, with variations including Linderholz, Lindelholz, and Lindalholz.

Throughout history, notable bearers of the Lindholz surname have been found across various professions. For instance, Johannes Lindholtz (1680-1742) was a German pastor and author, while Maria Lindholm (1857-1939), born as Maria Lindholz in Sweden, was a prominent suffragist and feminist activist. The name has also spread to other countries due to migration waves, such as the United States where descendants can be found today. Researching one's family history under the Lindholz surname offers a glimpse into this fascinating lineage that spans centuries and geographies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lindholz"
• 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 : 14 June 2025