NomOrigine Background

Last Name Meinertzhagen

What is the origin of the last name Meinertzhagen?

The last name "Meinertzhagen" is of German origin. It is a compound surname that likely combines the elements "Meinertz" or "Meinert" with "Hagen". The element "Meinertz" or "Meinert" may be a personal name or a place name, while "Hagen" is a common German surname that means "enclosure" or "hedge". Therefore, "Meinertzhagen" could possibly mean "the enclosure or hedge belonging to Meinertz or Meinert".

origin of the last name Meinertzhagen

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meinertzhagen

The meaning and origin of the last name Meinertzhagen

Meinertzhagen is a German surname that originated from the word "Meinhard," meaning "brave strength" or "strong and powerful." The name "Meinertzhagen" likely originated as a combination of "Meinhard" with the suffix "-hagen," which refers to a fenced enclosure or a cleared field. The surname Meinertzhagen is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Germany and may have been used to describe someone who lived near or within a fortified area. Over time, the name evolved and was passed down through generations, becoming a hereditary surname for the descendants of those who originally bore it. Today, individuals with the surname Meinertzhagen can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with strong Germanic heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meinertzhagen

The last name Meinertzhagen is relatively rare and is primarily found in Germany. According to data from Ancestry.com, the geographical distribution of individuals with the surname Meinertzhagen is concentrated in the northern and central regions of Germany, specifically in areas such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse. The name may also be found in smaller numbers in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, there may be individuals with the last name Meinertzhagen residing in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with German immigrant populations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Overall, Meinertzhagen is a unique surname with a limited geographical distribution, with its largest concentration in Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meinertzhagen

Meinertzhagen is a unique and complex last name that can have several variations and spellings. Some of the possible variations include Meinertzagen, Meinirthagen, Meinertshagen, Meinartzhagen, and Meinertzhagan. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation or spelling over time or across different regions. Additionally, the name may be spelled with a hyphen as Meinertz-hagen or as a single word as Meinertzhagen. With such a diverse range of possible spellings, it is important to consider different versions when researching or looking up individuals with this last name to ensure accurate results. Regardless of the specific spelling, Meinertzhagen remains a distinctive and interesting surname with a rich history and origins.

Famous people with the last name Meinertzhagen

Unfortunately, there are no widely known famous people with the last name Meinertzhagen. The Meinertzhagen family is a prominent English aristocratic family, with notable members such as Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen, a British soldier and intelligence officer during World War I, and his son Daniel Meinertzhagen, a conservationist and author. Colonel Richard Meinertzhagen is known for his remarkable military career and for his controversial activities in Africa, particularly his involvement in the creation of the Mweka Game Reserve in Kenya. Despite their influential roles in history, the Meinertzhagen family remains relatively unknown to the general public compared to other famous figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Meinertzhagen

The last name Meinertzhagen has its roots in Germany, specifically in the region of Westphalia. The name is believed to be of patronymic origin, meaning it likely derived from the given name Meinert, which itself is a variation of the popular German name Meinhard. Over time, the surname Meinertzhagen evolved and became established as a hereditary family name. One notable bearer of the Meinertzhagen surname was Richard Meinertzhagen, a British soldier and intelligence officer in the early 20th century. He was known for his contributions during World War I and his work in British military intelligence. Today, individuals with the last name Meinertzhagen can be found in various countries around the world, with some still residing in Germany and others having migrated to different regions over the years.

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: