What is the origin of the last name Nobbe?

The surname Nobbe is of German origin. It derives from a geographical name for someone who lived near a nobby or knobby tree, a type of oak with bumps or protuberances on its trunk. The name can also be associated with a topographic name for someone who lived by a noble's estate or manor, as "Nobbe" in Middle High German could mean "noble." However, it is essential to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and regional variations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nobbe

The meaning and origin of the last name Nobbe

The surname Nobbe is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "nube," which means 'new' or 'novice.' It was originally an occupational name for someone who was a newcomer or apprentice in a particular trade or profession, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone considered to be 'new' or 'inexperienced.' The surname has also been found in the Netherlands and is believed to be a variant of the Dutch name Nob, which is derived from the Middle Dutch word "nobe," meaning 'noble' or 'dignified.' Over time, the spelling variations of the name have included Nobbe, Nobe, Nobbé, Nobbe, Nobbe, Nobbe, and Nobbs. The surname is quite rare, but it can be found in various parts of Europe, particularly Germany and the Netherlands.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nobbe

The surname Nobbe has its origins in Germany, primarily in the northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Its frequency is relatively high in these areas due to historical settlement patterns. Over time, individuals bearing the name have emigrated to other parts of Europe and the world, particularly to neighboring countries like Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, as well as North America, such as the United States and Canada. In North America, the concentration of Nobbes is primarily in regions with a high German-American population, including the Midwest and Pennsylvania, but it can also be found in other parts of the continent. The distribution of the surname Nobbe reflects both historical migration patterns from Germany and subsequent settlement in various global communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nobbe

The surname Nobbe has several variations and spellings, largely due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Nobbeh, Nobbey, Nobbei, Nobbi, and Nobe. These variations may arise from slight changes in spelling conventions or regional dialects. In addition, the name might also have been altered by the influence of other languages, such as Dutch (Nobbe, pronounced 'nob-bə'), German (Nobbe, pronounced 'nɔp-bə'), or Scandinavian languages (Nobe, pronounced 'noo-bey'). Despite these variations, the root of the name remains consistent and can be traced back to Old High German, meaning "knee."

Famous people with the last name Nobbe

The Nobbe family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned members is Hans Nobbe, a German mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry and commutative algebra. He was born in 1930 and was a professor at the University of Bonn. Another significant figure is Lena Nobbe, a Canadian actress who has appeared in several television shows and films, including "The Man in the High Castle" and "Supernatural." Born in 1985, she is also known for her work on the animated series "Star Wars: Clone Wars." Lastly, Andreas Nobbe is a German author and journalist. He has written numerous books, including "Das Wunder von Wattens," which was made into a film in 2013. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, have contributed significantly to their communities and industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Nobbe

The surname Nobbe is of German origin, specifically from the North Frisian and Schleswig-Holstein regions, where it is believed to have been derived from the Old Norse personal name "Óbbi" or "Ófeig," meaning "faithful" or "believer." Early records show that the family resided in these areas during the Middle Ages. The migration of the Nobbe family to other parts of Europe and the New World began in the 16th century, with some members settling in Denmark, Sweden, and later North America. In the United States, descendants of the Nobbe family can be found primarily in states like Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Notable individuals bearing the surname Nobbe include Ernst Nobbe, a German entomologist, and Günther Nobbe, a German politician.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

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