Last Name Neu

The last name "Neu" is of German origin. It derives from the Middle High German word "neu," which means new. This surname was often given to a child born into a family where no other children had survived infancy, indicating that the family had started anew with this child. Over time, the spelling has evolved, and variations such as Neubauer (new builder), Neumann (new man), and Nußbaumer (nut tree grower) are also found among German-speaking populations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Neu

The meaning and origin of the last name Neu

The surname Neu is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "neu" which means "new". The surname was likely given to an individual who was considered new or foreign to a particular village or region, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who lived in a newly built house. Over time, this name became hereditary and was passed down through generations. In the United States, the surname Neu is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, where many German immigrants settled during the 18th and 19th centuries. The variant spellings of the surname Neu include Nieu, Nieuw, and Nu, which are found in Dutch-speaking regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Neu

The surname Neu is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly Germany, Poland, Austria, and Czech Republic. It originates from the German language, where "Neu" means 'new'. The highest concentration of people with this last name can be found in Germany, specifically in regions such as Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony. In Poland, it is most common in the eastern part of the country. It is also present in Austria and the Czech Republic, although in smaller numbers compared to Germany and Poland. The diaspora of German-speaking populations has resulted in the presence of the Neu surname in other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Neu

The surname Neu, though primarily of German origin, can have various spellings and pronunciations due to linguistic and regional differences. Some common variants include Neue, Neuen, Neuwen, and Neuwirth, which may differ based on the region or family tradition. Each of these forms has its roots in the German word for "new," reflecting the original meaning of the name. While the spelling variations may seem numerous, it's important to note that the name shares a common origin and is pronounced similarly in most cases, with the emphasis generally on the second syllable (NEYOO). In some rare instances, the name Neu can also be found among families of Dutch or Jewish descent.

Famous people with the last name Neu

Notable individuals sharing the surname Neu include:

1. Dan Neil (b. 1963), an American automotive columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, known for his work with the Los Angeles Times.
2. Hans-Jürgen Neubert (1940-2018), a German professional racing driver who competed in various categories, including Formula One. He was also a manager of numerous racing teams.
3. Richard Neu (b. 1953), an American artist and photographer known for his large-scale public works in the fields of environmental art and urban design. His notable projects include "The Wave" at Lake Mead, Nevada.
4. Stefan Neubauer (b. 1968), a German physicist specializing in the area of quantum optics and quantum information science. He is currently a researcher at Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Garching, Germany.
5. Susanne Neufeld (b. 1975), a Canadian actress who has starred in numerous television series and films, including "The Man in the High Castle," "Fringe," and "Cedar Cove."
6. Wilhelm Neu (1894-1946), an Austrian SS officer involved in Operation Reinhardt, responsible for the mass murder of Polish Jews during World War II. He was convicted and executed for war crimes after the Nuremberg Trials.

Genealogical research on the last name Neu

The Neu surname originates from Germany, where it is believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived by a new clearing or enclosure in the forest, derived from the Middle High German word "nuwe" meaning 'new'. Early records show that the Neu family can be traced back to regions such as Bavaria and Westphalia. Notable bearers of this surname include Johann Neu (1687-1759), a German mathematician, and Erich Neu (1903-1974), an Austrian architect. The Neu family migrated to other parts of Europe and later to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the United States, the Neu name is most common in states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. Genealogical research on the Neu surname continues today as descendants seek to understand their ancestry and expand their family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Neu"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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